The National Association of Scholars (NAS) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on advocacy for higher education reform with a politically conservative orientation. Founded in 1987 by Herbert London and Stephen Balch under the original name Campus Coalition for Democracy, NAS aims to uphold what it describes as the intellectual tradition of Western civilization, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education that fosters intellectual freedom, the search for truth, and virtuous citizenship[1][3][5].

Mission and Activities

NAS promotes academic freedom for faculty, students, and others through individual advocacy, research publications, and public policy engagement. The organization investigates issues affecting academic freedom, educational integrity, and university purpose, publishing in-depth reports on these topics. It also educates the public on policies and legislation designed to preserve liberal arts education and protect academic freedom in higher education institutions[3][4].

Ideological Position

The association is known for its opposition to multiculturalism, diversity policies, and academic courses centered on race and gender issues, which it critiques as threats to Western intellectual heritage. NAS portrays itself as defending the tradition of reasoned scholarship and civil debate against what it perceives as liberal bias and political correctness on college campuses. While it describes itself as nonpartisan, its membership and leadership have significant affiliations with conservative advocacy[1][4][5].

Organization and Structure

NAS is headquartered in New York City and maintains affiliates in 46 U.S. states, as well as in Guam and Canada. As of 2021, Peter Wyatt Wood serves as president, with Keith Whitaker acting as chairman. The organization has a membership estimated at approximately 2,600 and a staff of about 10 persons[1].

Funding

The National Association of Scholars has received financial support from several conservative foundations, including the Sarah Scaife Foundation, John M. Olin Foundation, Bradley Foundation, Castle Rock Foundation, Smith Richardson Foundation, and Arthur N. Rupe Foundation. These funding sources align with its broader conservative educational advocacy[1][5].

Publications and Projects

NAS sponsors the website Minding the Campus, which provides commentary and articles on higher education issues. It also convenes the Civics Alliance, a coalition focused on the promotion of civic education and engagement[4].

The National Association of Scholars remains a significant voice in debates over the direction and content of higher education in the United States, representing a conservative perspective that emphasizes traditional liberal arts values, academic freedom, and opposition to identity-based curricula.