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The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents approved an item on May 4 that seeks to create a new conservative-leaning college at the flagship campus in Austin.
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported that the institution, known as the School of Civic Leadership, garnered a unanimous vote.
“Our goal then as it is today is to offer an education that prepares students for careers in public service, national security, the nonprofit sector and the private sector,” an unidentified regent said, KEYE reported. “We have been impressed by the progress made and hope to build on those efforts.”
Per the station, the School of Civic Leadership will serve as the home of the existing Civitas Institute, espousing “individual liberty” and other conservative principles such as limited government and free enterprise.
UT President Dr. Jay Hartzell, in a statement obtained by KEYE, lauded board chair Kevin Eltife and the regents for outlining the school’s “clear and compelling vision.”
“As the state’s flagship public university, UT Austin has a longstanding tradition and unique responsibility to equip and train civic leaders for our state and nation, and this new school reflects an expanded commitment to the next generation of leadership,” Hartzell said. “This interdisciplinary school will both develop new programs and foster collaboration across campus to elevate this important mission, enabling UT to advance our leadership position in Texas and across the country.”
According to a report from The Texas Tribune, by creating the School of Civic Leadership, the UT System made it unnecessary for state lawmakers to push through with a measure that aimed to do the same thing.
“The Civitas Institute will be a leader in research, education and policy based on free markets and individual liberty,” State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who chairs the state Senate Committee on Education, said in a statement, the publication reported. “I applaud Chairman [Kevin] Eltife and the Board of Regents for their support, which will provide the organizational structure to hire faculty and staff.”