National Association of Scholars

The National Association of Scholars (NAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States, established in 1987. It is committed to reforming higher education and upholding the standards of a liberal arts education that fosters intellectual freedom, the pursuit of truth, and virtuous citizenship.

Mission and Ideals

The NAS seeks to promote a traditional liberal arts education, emphasizing the study of Western civilization and American history. It advocates for individual merit, academic integrity, and transparency in curricula and classrooms. The organization also supports academic freedom, believing that colleges and universities should provide an environment where students and faculty can freely engage in scholarly inquiry without ideological constraint[2][3].

Activities and Programs

• Publications and Research: NAS publishes a quarterly journal titled Academic Questions, which explores contemporary issues in higher education. The organization also conducts and publishes research reports on various aspects of higher education policy and practice[2][3].
• Advocacy: NAS engages in public advocacy and individual advocacy, supporting legislation aimed at reforming higher education and protecting academic freedom. It files friend-of-the-court briefs and provides testimony to legislative committees[2][3].
• Conferences and Meetings: The organization hosts national and regional conferences where stakeholders discuss current issues and propose reforms in higher education[2][4].

History and Funding

Founded by Stephen Balch and others, NAS was initially established to counteract what it saw as a rise in "campus political correctness" during the late 1980s. Historically, NAS has been funded by several conservative foundations, including the Sarah Scaife Foundation and the John William Pope Foundation[1][3].

Notable Initiatives

• Civics Alliance: NAS convenes the Civics Alliance, a coalition focusing on improving civics education to include foundational American principles and institutions[3].
• Education Reform: NAS has been involved in initiatives to reform higher education through policy advocacy and sponsoring legislative models like the Model Education Licensure Code[3].