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12 ORGS · 88 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
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Academic Freedom as Foundation

By protecting and expanding academic freedom through structural safeguards, advocacy, and institutional practices, we strengthen intellectual inquiry and social justice, because unfettered scholarly autonomy enables critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and resilient knowledge production in the face of political or ideological pressure. This strategy positions academic freedom not merely as a procedural right but as a generative condition for innovation, equity, and rigorous scholarship. It unifies efforts across organizations that defend extramural speech, support persecuted scholars, resist ideological capture, and promote open inquiry—distinguishing itself from purely pedagogical or access-oriented strategies by emphasizing the *conditions under which knowledge can be safely and ethically produced*. While other approaches focus on curriculum design or student engagement, this cluster targets the foundational environment of intellectual risk-taking necessary for all advanced lear

12
orgs running it
88
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 12

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Establish and administer pioneering graduate programs in specialized fields SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Founded the first master's-level genetic counselor training program in the U.S., the first graduate program in Women's History, and the first master's degree program in health advocacy in the U.S., all of which have significantly contributed to their respective fields.
  • Expand lifelong learning and community partnerships with regional institutions SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Strengthens community engagement by expanding lifelong learning opportunities and building partnerships with regional public and private institutions including Yonkers Public Library, Westchester and Bronx Community Colleges, the Hudson River Museum, ArtsWestchester, and Wartburg.
  • Fund strategic initiatives through major philanthropic gifts SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    grantmaking
    Secures and utilizes major philanthropic gifts, including a $20 million donation from an anonymous alumna in 2021—the largest in the college’s history—to advance its strategic vision.
  • Host commencement and academic ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Hosts annual commencement ceremonies for undergraduates and graduate hooding ceremonies for master's degree candidates, including the 98th Commencement on May 8, 2026, and the Graduate Hooding ceremony on May 7, 2026.
  • Launch the Institute for Genomics Education and a master’s program in Genome Health Analysis SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Spearheaded the launch of the Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership and established a master’s program in Genome Health Analysis in partnership with NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
  • Offer graduate degree programs in the arts, health sciences, and education SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Offers nine master's degree programs and additional non-degree and certificate programs to 223 graduate students in fields including writing, theatre, dance, child development, human genetics, health advocacy, and dance movement therapy. Programs incorporate the college's interdisciplinary pedagogy.
  • Operate study away and exchange programs, including the first U.S. liberal arts program in Havana SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Provides domestic and international study away and exchange opportunities, including the first semester-long liberal arts study away program in Havana, Cuba, which the college continues to operate as one of the few American institutions with a presence there.
  • Operate the Early Childhood Center as a laboratory preschool SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Operates the Early Childhood Center, a laboratory preschool that serves as a fieldwork site for undergraduate and graduate students in child development and education programs.
  • Produce and publish stories about the college community SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Produces and publishes narratives and features about students, faculty, and programs to highlight the college’s academic and cultural life.
  • Provide on-campus housing, dining, and campus facilities for students SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Provides on-campus housing and dining services for 1,124 students, including diverse residence options and multiple dining formats. Also maintains interactive and downloadable campus maps to assist visitors with navigation.
  • Provide undergraduate liberal arts education through small seminars and individualized faculty mentorship SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Delivers a pioneering liberal arts education with a focus on intellectual and civic engagement, primarily through small seminars, studios, and workshops. Students engage in tailored academic programs, including required personalized study projects and one-on-one conference projects with faculty mentors.
  • Stage collaborative and immersive dance performances in partnership with art institutions SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Produces and stages immersive dance performances in collaboration with major art institutions, such as the Marian Goodman Gallery, where dancers respond to visual art through movement, sound, and spatial dynamics.
  • Support undergraduate and graduate research through experiential and summer programs SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
    direct service
    Provides experiential learning through internships, community partnerships, and research. Offers summer research opportunities in math and science to approximately 15–20 students annually, including stipends for students and faculty, and supports dissemination of findings through on-campus presentations and national conferences.
  • Advance academic writing and professional development THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
    capacity building
    Provides academic writing support to graduate students through the Center for Academic Writing, recognized as a "Writing Program of Excellence," and offers non-degree and micro-credential programs for professionals and leaders via the Educational Outreach Office in collaboration with faculty and external partners.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research through dedicated centers and institutes THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
    research
    Operates 11 research centers including the CEU Democracy Institute, CEU Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Center for Ethics and Law in Biomedicine (CELAB), and Blinken Open Society Archives, conducting large-scale research projects, hosting fellowships, and organizing conferences and workshops on topics such as democracy, disinformation, and human rights.
  • Deliver undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
    direct service
    Offers 3 bachelor's, 35 master's, and 11 doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in social sciences, humanities, law, data science, political science, and public policy, taught in English at campuses in Vienna and Budapest.
  • Fund student scholarships and research activities THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
    grantmaking
    Provides merit-based grants for master’s and doctoral students, including funding for study abroad (3–12 months), research and fieldwork (up to 5,200 EUR), conference travel, and participation in Summer and Winter Schools for doctoral students who have passed comprehensive exams.
  • Organize public engagement and cultural programming THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY
    direct service
    Hosts public lectures, educational programs, cultural events, exhibitions (including a traveling exhibition on CEU’s history), and seasonal schools such as the CEU Summer University, promoting civic dialogue and intellectual exchange in Vienna and Budapest.