On June 23, 2025, in a resolute stance against potential encroachments on institutional autonomy, the Notre Dame 91福利资源站 Board of Trustees unanimously passed a landmark resolution reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the governance independence of the university.

Amidst evolving national and state political landscapes that pose new challenges to university autonomy, the board鈥檚 resolution asserts its dedication to making decisions in the best interests of NDNU鈥檚 educational mission, faculty, students, and broader community, free from external pressures. Moreover, it calls upon stakeholders across sectors to uphold and protect the independence of America鈥檚 institutions of higher learning as integral to the vitality of democracy and the economy.

NDNU Board of Trustees Resolution

WHEREAS, the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819) affirmed that the governance of higher education institutions must remain free from political interference;

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes that institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence, and the fulfillment of our fiduciary duties; and

WHEREAS, recent developments in the national and state political environments have introduced new threats to the independence of colleges and universities through attempts to condition funding or impose governance requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

  1. The Board of Trustees reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining the independence of this institution鈥檚 governance.
  2. The board asserts that its decisions will continue to be made in the best interests of the institution鈥檚 educational mission, students, faculty, and public service, free from external political pressures.
  3. The board calls on all stakeholders 鈥� policymakers, higher education leaders, and the public 鈥� to defend the autonomy of America鈥檚 colleges and universities as essential to a thriving democracy and economy.
  4. The board authorizes the chair and president to communicate this commitment publicly and to advocate for policies that protect board independence and institutional autonomy.


Approved unanimously by the NDNU Board of Trustees 鈥� June 23, 2025