Shared governance under threat in universities and beyond
There are many ways to erode democracy. Two professors at the Indiana University School of Medicine caution: "For over a century, American universities have followed a model known as shared governance. ... It’s not just tradition -- it’s a safeguard. It ensures that decisions about teaching, research and student life are made by the people who do the work. ...
"Whether in universities or federal agencies, the pattern is the same: Leaders are cutting out the people who should have a voice. ... When decisions are made without input from those most affected, institutions don’t just lose trust -- they undermine their own legitimacy and effectiveness."
IU's governance crisis reflects dangerous trend undermining democracy | Opinion
Processes like faculty governance, peer review and public advisory boards aren’t meant to slow things down or push a political agenda. They exist because they lead to better decisions.
By: Gabriel Bosslet and Tracey Wilkinson Opinion Contributors
June 12, 2025