Why Colleges Are Turning to Institutional Neutrality

In October, the University of Michigan became one of the latest colleges to adopt institutional neutrality. Moving forward, the state flagship’s official statements won’t comment on current affairs that don’t affect its direct interests. At least two dozen institutions have adopted some type of institutional neutrality policy in recent years, although they differ on specifics. Louisiana State, Northwestern, Harvard, Stanford and Johns Hopkins universities have all adopted these policies.  These moves can help stave off political controversy for institutions, experts say. But they may require careful conversations about a college’s mission and goals, as well as what exactly the policy will look like.  Adoption of these policies has surged after last spring’s student protests over the Israel-Hamas war.