What Universities Owe Democracy

Universities have historically been integral to democracy. What can they do to reclaim this critical role?Universities play an indispensable role within modern democracies. But this role is often overlooked or too narrowly conceived, even by universities themselves. In What Universities Owe Democracy, Ronald J. Daniels, the president of Johns Hopkins University, argues that—at a moment when liberal democracy is endangered and more countries are heading toward autocracy than at any time in generations—it is critical for today's colleges and universities to reestablish their place in democracy. Drawing upon fields as varied as political science, economics, history, and sociology, Daniels identifies four distinct functions of American higher education that are key to liberal democracy: social mobility, citizenship education, the stewardship of facts, and the cultivation of pluralistic, diverse communities. By examining these roles over time, Daniels explains where colleges and universities have faltered in their execution of these functions—and what they can do going forward. Looking back on his decades of experience leading universities, Daniels offers bold prescriptions for how universities can act now to strengthen democracy. For those committed to democracy's future prospects, this book is a vital resource.

Ron Daniels is a pioneer. In this critically important work, he examines the systemic and systematic reforms we need to achieve equity in US higher education. There has never been a more urgent moment for change.
—Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO / President, Ariel Investments, LLC

Weaving personal history with his passion for democracy, Daniels has crafted a beautifully written story of the essential role of universities in maintaining and reinforcing fairness and justice in America. To discover the new role universities must play in the contest between liberal and illiberal ways of thought, and how institutions of higher learning need reform, read this essential book. There is no other like it.
—Jonathan R. Cole, author of The Great American University: Its Rise to Preeminence, Its Indispensable National Role, Why It Must Be Protected

American colleges and universities are being tested like never before in their commitment to inquiry and dialogue that is as open as it is diverse. As the son of a Jewish refugee who fled Poland in 1939, Ron Daniels'' insights on the essential role of colleges in a democracy ring with particular power. He offers a compelling history of the important relationship between higher education and democratic values—and a path forward to strengthen both.
—Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies / Mayor of New York, 2002–2013

Daniels rivets attention on the obligation of universities when democracy is in global retreat and provides specific, illustrative changes needed not just to improve education and research but to tackle mounting distrust of journalism and science, and intolerance toward people with different views. Hopeful despite the clear-eyed account of profound challenges, this book is essential for any who care about the prospects for social trust, truth-seeking, and the promise of America.
—Martha Minow, author of Saving the News: Why the Constitution Calls for Government Action to Preserve Freedom of Speech

In this timely and compelling book, Ron Daniels makes a powerful argument for the central role universities must have in ensuring the public good and fostering liberal democracy. Readers will appreciate his careful analysis, his global perspective, and his inspiring personal story, and they will come away understanding the urgency of his message.
—Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County / author of The Empowered University: Shared Leadership, Culture Change, and Academic Success

One of America''s outstanding university presidents dares to tackle what ails US higher education. His recommendations are radical, exciting, and doable. This is one of those books that will define the conversation on campuses across the country.
—Michael Ignatieff, President and Rector of Central European University

The methods to defend democracy must be taught, and What Universities Owe Democracy is our textbook.
—Garry Kasparov, Chairman of the Renew Democracy Initiative / former World Chess Champion