The National Association of Scholars (NAS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1987 by Herbert London and Stephen Balch. It is primarily known for its far-right wing stance on higher education reform. The NAS seeks to counter what it perceives as the decline of American undergraduate education, advocating for the preservation of Western intellectual traditions, rigorous academic standards, and “academic freedom”. The organization opposes multiculturalism, affirmative action, and diversity initiatives, arguing that they undermine the study of Western civilization and intellectual merit.
Selected Controversies:
- In 1990, NAS faculty at the University of Texas, Austin, blocked the inclusion of civil rights readings in an English course proposed to address racial and sexual harassment on campus. They also supported a campaign to defund the university’s Chicano newspaper. Critics accused NAS of fostering a hostile environment toward diversity initiatives.
- At Duke University in 1990, the formation of an NAS chapter led to heated debates about the organization’s stances on race and gender issues. Critics, including faculty members, labeled NAS as “racist, sexist, and homophobic”.
- A 2001 NAS report criticizing diversity curricula at Colorado universities led to backlash. The report recommended suspending certain education programs, prompting accusations of bias against women and minorities. A dean resigned in protest, describing NAS’s actions as “teacher-bashing”.
- NAS amplified the “Climategate” controversy, a debunked scandal involving hacked emails from climate scientists. Critics accused NAS of using this incident to discredit climate science broadly, undermining its credibility as an organization dedicated to intellectual inquiry. Scroll down to “Stance on Climate Change”
Criticism of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
- In 2023, Stephen Balch, a founder of NAS, criticized DEI efforts at Texas Tech University, claiming they created a coercive environment for faculty and students. This aligned with NAS’s broader opposition to DEI policies, which it views as dogmatic.
Accusations of Censorship and Hypocrisy
- Critics have accused NAS of promoting a repressive ideology by advocating for restrictions on political discussions in classrooms while simultaneously pushing for conservative viewpoints in academia. This has been described as hypocritical and contrary to academic freedom.
Allegations of Political Bias
- The organization has faced criticism for aligning itself with partisan politics rather than focusing solely on educational reform. For instance, its reports have been accused of using misleading statistics to support conservative narratives.
Controversial Reports:
- In 2012, NAS released a report criticizing U.S. history courses at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University for emphasizing race, class, and gender issues. The report was dismissed by some academics as misleading.
- A 2015 report critiquing fossil fuel divestment movements on college campuses was seen as part of NAS’s broader opposition to sustainability initiatives.
Alleged Misuse of Public Funds
- In 2001, questions were raised about why Colorado’s Commission on Higher Education paid $25,000 to NAS for a report critical of diversity curricula instead of contracting an organization with expertise in teacher education.
Funding Sources:
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
- Mission: ADF is a legal advocacy group focused on religious freedom, traditional marriage, pro-life policies, and free speech.
- Conservative Goals: Defends religious institutions from perceived government overreach and opposes progressive social policies related to LGBTQ+ rights.
- Funding Connection: Contributed $50,000 to NAS in 2010.
Sarah Scaife Foundation
- Mission: Supports projects that advance free-market economics, limited government, and critiques of liberal policies.
- Conservative Goals: Funds think tanks and organizations that challenge progressive ideas in education and public policy.
- Funding to NAS: $7.2 million from 1987 to 2016.
John M. Olin Foundation
- Mission: Promoted free-market principles and law-and-economics programs at universities before ceasing operations in 2005.
- Conservative Goals: Supported critiques of liberal academia and funded conservative scholarship.
- Funding to NAS: Over $2.3 million.
Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
- Mission: Focuses on school choice, critiques of affirmative action, and the preservation of Western values.
- Conservative Goals: Advocates for limited government and traditional social policies.
- Funding to NAS: Nearly $3 million.
Castle Rock Foundation
- Mission: Funded conservative causes until merging with the Adolph Coors Foundation in 2011.
- Conservative Goals: Supported free-market initiatives and critiques of progressive education reforms.
- Funding to NAS: $580,000.
Donor’sTrust
- Mission: Operates as a donor-advised fund supporting libertarian and conservative causes.
- Conservative Goals: Known as a “dark money” vehicle for funding right-wing organizations anonymously.
- Funding to NAS: $21,500.
F.M. Kirby Foundation
- Mission: Supports conservative educational initiatives and public policy organizations.
- Conservative Goals: Advocates for free enterprise and limited government.
- Funding to NAS: $510,000.
Jaquelin Hume Foundation
- Mission: Focuses on promoting market-based solutions in public policy.
- Conservative Goals: Supports education reform aligned with conservative principles.
- Funding to NAS: $350,000.
John Templeton Foundation
- Mission: Funds projects exploring science, religion, and free-market economics.
- Conservative Goals: Emphasizes individual liberty and critiques of secularism in public discourse.
- Funding to NAS: $221,876.
Adolph Coors Foundation
- Mission: Supports conservative values through grants to think tanks and advocacy groups.
- Conservative Goals: Promotes traditional family values and economic freedom.
- Funding to NAS: $180,000.
Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation
- Mission: Advances libertarian principles like individual liberty and limited government.
- Conservative Goals: Funds initiatives opposing regulation and promoting free-market policies.
- Funding to NAS: $60,000.
Other Notable Foundations:
1.Earhart Foundation ($542,500) – Focused on funding research aligned with conservative principles until its closure in 2015.
2.Randolph Foundation ($250,000) – Supports projects tied to national security, education reform, and cultural preservation from a conservative perspective.
3.Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation ($65,000) – Funds projects advocating for free enterprise and limited government intervention.
4.Thomas B. Fordham Foundation ($2,500) – Concentrates on education reform with a focus on school choice policies.
