Tag Archive for: Hillsdale College

EXCLUSIVE: White House Celebrates Army’s Big Birthday With Video Series

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The White House is releasing a video Thursday celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary as part of a history series that tells the story of American Independence, the Daily Caller learned first.

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the White House Salute to America 250 Task Force partnered with Hillsdale College to release a series of videos about the story of America’s founding. Wednesday’s video, the second video in the series, features Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who tells the origin story of the U.S. Army.

The video, obtained first by the Caller, explains how the Second Continental Congress decided to create an army, how George Washington led the troops, as well as the victories of Trenton and Princeton.

HEGSETH: “We’re not interested in your woke garbage and your political correctness.”

*Troops go wild in applause* pic.twitter.com/yTpW11Kg3C

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 10, 2025

The video series began with an introduction from Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn, who explained its dedication to the Declaration of Independence. The first video also covered the battles of Lexington and Concord. Both videos can be found on the White House 250 website.

“These battles were more than military engagements. They were seminal moments that gave birth to our nation,” Hegseth says in the second video. “Every volley fired, every battle one and every sacrifice paid moved our nation one step closer to the promised self-determination and freedom.”

The second video is being released in accordance with President Donald Trump’s $45 million military parade set to be held June 14 in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Flag Day. Trump also visited Fort Bragg with Hegseth on Tuesday to give a speech celebrating the Army’s birthday.

The celebration Saturday is expected to include more than 6,600 soldiers, over 50 military aircrafts and 150 military vehicles, including tanks, Humvees, and other equipment.

The parade is the first of many celebrations the president plans to have to pay tribute to America’s founding, telling NBC News that he wants to establish a national “Victory Days” recognizing U.S. triumphs in both World War I and World War II.

In the video, Hegseth explains the importance of remembering the Army’s formation since “their story defines us all.”

“The Army story begins in the spring of 1775, one month after the Massachusetts militia humbled British regulars at the battles of Lexington and Concord, America’s colonial leaders assembled in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. The meeting had been called to address long standing grievances with Britain’s imperial government, but the recent bloodshed at Lexington and Concord fundamentally changed the purpose of the gathering,” Hegseth says.

“Until then, many colonists had hoped for reconciliation with their mother country. It was increasingly clear that freedom would not be possible without war,” he continues.

Disclaimer: Reagan Reese, an author of this article, is an alumna of Hillsdale College. 

AUTHORS

Reagan Reese and Sally Lynne

Contributors.

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EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Caller column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

Harvard Should Emulate Hillsdale College, Reject Federal Money

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Harvard has until recently been receiving $2.2 billion in federal funding, largely for research grants for medical research. The Trump administration has now withheld that amount, and promises it will continue to withhold that sum as long as Harvard does not explain how it is now, and how it intends in the future, to protect Jewish students on campus from manifestations of antisemitism. A second request from the government is that Harvard end its DEI programs that make race and ethnicity, not merit, the bases upon which decisions as to admission and faculty hiring and promotion are made. These requests seem eminently reasonable to me, but not to the grand panjandrums in Massachusetts Hall.

The historian Victor Davis Hanson takes Harvard to task for its refusal to comply with those requests from the administration, and if Harvard continues with its refusal, he suggests that the university should at least end its reliance on $2.2 billion in federal grants when it has so much money — more than $50 billion — in its endowment, that could easily fund whatever programs the federal government’s cuts would now endanger.

More on Victor Davis Hanson’s suggestion to Harvard can be found here: “Opinion: Harvard could go full Hillsdale College and set itself free,” by Victor Davis Hanson, Tribune Content Agency, April 20, 2025 

Harvard University has rejected various demands of a presidential commission on antisemitism.

The task force wants to persuade Harvard to ensure Jewish students on its campus are no longer harassed, or else lose its federal funding.

Harvard retorts that it won’t be bullied by Washington.

Among its other requirements, the Trump administration also warned Harvard to cease using race as a criterion in its admissions, hiring and promotion, contrary to law….

Despite all of Harvard’s platitudes, its classrooms are still being disrupted. Jewish students remain fearful.

And what would Obama say if, for example, African-American students at Harvard were harassed on campus by masked disrupters?

Or Black studies classes were crashed by students wearing scarves over their faces as they vented their hatred? Would he press the Trump administration to force Harvard to honor federal civil rights protections?

Remember, Harvard is a private university with a largely untaxed endowment of over $50.2 billion. Yet again, it still receives some $2.2 billion — now suspended — in federal funds.

The administration task force is not forcing Harvard to run its university according to its version of federal dictates.

Instead, the Trump commission is simply warning Harvard that if, in addition to its huge sources of private funding, it still wishes continuance of some $2.2 billion in public money from the federal government, then it must comply with existing laws and executive orders.

Does Harvard remember the embarrassing testimony of its former president, Claudine Gay?

She failed to assure a congressional committee that Harvard had taken action against openly hostile antisemitic student protesters during its growing protest movements.

Claudine Gay also turned out to be a serial plagiarist, whose scholarly works consisted of four short articles, at least two of which contained large bits written by, but not credited to, others. Claudine Gay is black; might DEI explain her otherwise incomprehensible appointment as Harvard’s president? And why, one wonders, after she was forced to resign in disgrace, did Harvard agree to continue to pay her the presidential salary she had been receiving of $900,000 a year?

Apparently Harvard does not care enough about the wellbeing and safety of its Jewish students to assure them, and the federal government that has asked for such information, of all the ways it is now, or will in the future, be combatting antisemitism on its campus.

And Harvard cares so little for the notion — now so truly brave and even revolutionary — that merit alone should determine which students are admitted, and which faculty are hired, and then promoted. Apparently Harvard thinks it is worth the loss of $2.2 billion in federal money so as to be able to discriminate on the basis of race and ethnicity. What a victory!

AUTHOR

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Experts Pick the Top 5 Conservative Colleges in the Country

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As the state of universities continues to worsen with leftist ideology becoming entrenched in institutions of higher education, conservative parents are left wondering where they can send their children for education, not LGBT indoctrination. The Washington Stand reached out to a number of prominent conservative educators to ask for their recommendations on the best colleges and universities that educate, enrich, and produce virtuous Americans.

1. Grove City College

This private Christian liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania topped the list of recommendations from conservative educators. The school has a strong focus on a humanities-based core curriculum and offers 60 majors, including in Biblical and Religious Studies, English Literature, History, Political Science, and more, all taught from a conservative Christian perspective.

Unlike many colleges today, Grove City has a focus on honing a fully-formed human, not just a well-trained wage slave. The school also places a strong emphasis on freedom of conscience and its website boasts, “Your freedom of conscience is foundational to the healthy academic community and classroom experience you will find at Grove City College. We hold fast to the belief that all Truth and knowledge begin with Christ, allowing you to rigorously pursue the highest academic excellence.”

Notable alumni include former U.S. deputy attorney general Paul McNulty (now the president of Grove City), conservative economist Peter Boettke, Institute for Justice founder Scott Bullock, and Catholic author and theologian Scott Hahn. Notable professors include author Dr. Paul Kengor, who teaches political science, federal judge Arthur Schwab, biblical scholar G.K. Beale, and theologian Dr. Carl Trueman.

“Grove City is the best.” — William J. Bennett, former Education Secretary under President Ronald Reagan

2. Hillsdale College

Another private, Christian liberal arts school, Hillsdale comes in at a strong number two. The college bases its educational philosophy on the belief that the Western world is the product of both Greco-Roman civilization and Christian tradition and philosophy. Hillsdale offers a host of traditional majors, including Classical Education, American Studies, Military History and Grand Strategy, and Rhetoric and Public Address, among many others. In the 1980s, both Hillsdale and Grove City chose to opt out of federal funding in order not to be bound to Title IX, which now protects homosexuality and transgenderism.

Hillsdale requires its students to enroll in and complete a core curriculum to accompany their majors and minors. Some of those areas of mandatory study include classical logic, theology, American heritage, science, deductive reasoning, theology, and the Great Books.

“Faithful to the conservative spirit and resolutely independent from federal funding. Hillsdale’s ‘declaration of independence’ from the federal government is an inspiration.” — Joseph Pearce, author and former literature professor

3. Ave Maria University

A private Catholic university in Florida, Ave Maria has consistently been featured in the Newman Guide and was ranked by College Factual in the top 8% of “Best Colleges for the Money.” The university has made classical thought and Catholic culture a core aspect of its identity. Every dormitory building features a chapel, and the pre-1969 Traditional Latin Mass is offered on campus.

Ave Maria offers 33 undergraduate degrees, including American Studies, Catechetics, Classics and Early Christian Literature, Marriage and Family Studies, and others. Ave Maria also features a law school, which has consistently been ranked the “most conservative” and “most devout” law school in the U.S. The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia helped develop the law school’s curriculum. Founder Tom Monaghan said his hope is for Ave Maria to become a “Catholic Ivy.”

In 2012, Ave Maria sued the federal government, claiming a Health and Human Services mandate requiring employers to provide birth control would violate the university’s religious freedom. Pornography and contraceptives are banned on campus and the university instructs local shops not to sell pornography or contraceptives, either.

4. Thomas Aquinas College

Another private Catholic liberal arts school clocked in at fourth place on TWS’s list of recommendations. With campuses in both Ventura, California and Northfield, Massachusetts, Thomas Aquinas offers only one degree: a bachelor of arts in liberal arts. The college’s program of study is steeped in Christian philosophy and based on the Great Books, conducted in a seminar fashion. Notable alumni include traditionalist theologian Dr. Peter Kwasniewski and Trump-appointed environment czar Mary Neumayr.

Thomas Aquinas has placed a great emphasis on the beauty of Western art and architecture. The college’s chapel blends early Christian, Renaissance, and Spanish Mission architectural styles and has been described as the “crown jewel” of the campus. The late Pope Benedict XVI blessed the chapel’s cornerstone. The school’s library is also an artistic marvel, featuring a ceiling from a 17th century Spanish monastery.

5. Liberty University

A private Baptist school in Virginia, Liberty University boasts over 700 programs of study and a stringent Christian code of conduct. The university purports to produce “champions for Christ” and has been both hailed and derided as a “bastion of the Christian right.” Liberty features a popular series of online degrees as well as a law school, a business school, an aeronautics school, and more.

The university mandates a code of conduct for students, called the “Liberty Way,” which prohibits premarital sex, cohabitation, alcohol use, and “LGBTQ states of mind.”

Of course, this list is not exhaustive: there are many colleges and universities that have shaped and still do shape bold conservatives, but these are some of the very best, according to prominent conservative educators. As leftism and LGBT ideology continue to invade higher education, conservative institutions will become fewer and fewer. What’s most important is to raise children well, ensuring that their foundational education — intellectual, moral, and spiritual — is a strong one, so that they may face the evils the present age seems to be perpetually producing, and stand firm.

Honorable mentions:

  • College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, Mo.)
  • Franciscan University of Steubenville (Steubenville, Ohio)
  • University of Dallas (Dallas, Texas)
  • Wyoming Catholic College (Lander, Wyo.)

AUTHOR

S.A. McCarthy

S.A. McCarthy serves as a news writer at The Washington Stand.

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2023 Family Research Council.

The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

DeSantis Announces Next Moves In Fight With Disney

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Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his plan Thursday to void the last-second legal agreement signed by Disney to maintain its self-governance and special privileges in the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

DeSantis spoke April 6 at Hillsdale College, a conservative school in Michigan, about his next move in Florida’s ongoing battle with Disney.

“They are not superior to the people of Florida. And so come hell or high water, we’re going to make sure that policy of Florida carries the day,” DeSantis said, according to Reuters.

“We’re going to look at things like taxes on hotels, we’re going to look at things like tolls on the roads, we’re going to look at things like developing some of the property that the district owns,” DeSantis continued.

Earlier in the day, DeSantis hinted at next moves at a breakfast with the Midland County Republican Party of Michigan, Politico reported. Disney “tried to pull a fast one on the way out the door,” he said. “That story’s not over yet. Buckle up. There’s more coming down the pike.”

Disney reportedly signed legal agreements with the Reedy Creek Special Improvement District in February to preserve its special benefits as DeSantis’ legislation to abolish the special district was making its way through Florida’s legislature. The legislation replaced the Reedy Creek district with a new governance body and revoked Disney’s special privileges.

Disney CEO Bob Iger called DeSantis legislation “anti-business” and “anti-Florida” during the company’s annual shareholder meeting Monday. The company’s feud with DeSantis began when Disney came out against his legislation restricting the teaching of gender ideology and sexuality from kindergarten through third grade.

AUTHOR

JAMES LYNCH

Reporter.

RELATED ARTICLE: Florida College Launches $10,000 Scholarships After DeSantis-Backed Conservative Takeover

EDITORS NOTE: This Daily Caller column is republished with permission. ©All rights reserved.

 

Hillsdale College Students on the GOP Presidential Debate

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HILLSDALE, Mich. /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Hillsdale College students joined nationally syndicated Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher during live coverage of the CNN Republican Presidential Debate and in a post-debate focus group. Student reactions to the debate included:

students hillsdale college

Students at Hillsdale College engage with nationally syndicated radio host Mike Gallagher during the Republican Presidential Debate on Sept. 16, 2015.

Christy Allen, senior, political economy major from Paradise Valley, AZ: “Chris Christie had a great performance tonight, but Carly Fiorina did something really special. There is no question she belonged in that debate, and she went a long way in showing that she belongs in the White House.”

Mary Catherine Meyer, senior, English literature major from Littleton, CO: “Marco Rubio did well by addressing the issue of family several times. That is an important factor in our country’s future. Carly Fiorinaperformed wonderfully. She spoke about the torch and the sword; she showed us a bit of light tonight, and in her character, the strength that she would fight for it.”

Kristin Berg, senior, history major from Shelby Township, MI: “I went into tonight’s debate with an open mind, but it became obvious that Carly Fiorina is the strongest candidate. She was articulate and knowledgeable, and she made it very clear that her priority is the security and character of the country. She knows what America needs, and I look forward to seeing how she does in the race.”

Michael Aavang, senior, politics major from Stevens Point, WI: “I came into tonight’s debate a reluctant Trump supporter because of his assertiveness and expressed interest in doing what is good for America, but Carly’s true merit and grit came through, eclipsing his attempt at showmanship. She stoically and confidently addressed every question with articulate and educated responses. She showed she has the country’s interests at heart. I think she rightfully captivated the audience and will see a huge bounce in the polls.”

Dom Restuccia, senior, politics major from South Lyon, MI: “Rubio established himself as the commander-in-chief in the room with the most substantive answers, the greatest handling of foreign policy issues, and a clear articulation of conservative values. He demonstrated himself as the champion who can bring the many factions of the Republican party to bear with a 21st century campaign to face down the Democrat electoral machine. Yet Fiorina trumped “the Donald.” She had the two best moments of the night, going after Trump for attacking her looks and responding to questions on Iran, where she connected the issue of the Iran nuclear deal to the defense of innocent life.”

Jacob Weaver, sophomore, philosophy and history major from Novi, MI: “Tonight’s debate proved that we have a field of incredible candidates, all with unique backgrounds and qualifications. However, a good field of candidates does not save our country from jeopardy. I urge voters – for the sake of Americans past, present, and future – to seek a leader of passion, of prudence, and of principle.”

Conner Dwinell, junior, economics major from Lincoln, NE: “Carly Fiorina won in a landslide. If I wasn’t absolutely in her camp before, I am now. If you are looking for a firecracker and someone who is going to stick it to the man, I would move out of Donald Trump’s camp and into Carly’s.”

Emily Runge, senior, politics major from Newton, KS: “Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina stood out to me tonight. They articulated their positions well, along with an overall vision for the nation. Particularly, they both did an incredible job overall on foreign policy. Over the next months, I want them to prove to me that they will follow through with their policies and deliver as President.”

Sarah Onken, senior, politics and mathematics major from Seymour, IN: “To say Carly Fiorina made an outstanding appearance this evening is the understatement of this campaign season. I appreciated Marco Rubio’s comments on the necessity of the strength of the family in our nation. This debate demonstrated that principled, articulate candidates such as Fiorina, Rubio, and Cruz will continue to do well in this primary season.”

Alex Buchmann, senior, politics major from Broomfield, CO: “Trump didn’t lose any followers, Carson maintained his followers, and Fiorina gained new followers. Everyone else on the debate stage has effectively been reduced to political pundits contributing to what has now become a privatized republican race.”

Bailey Amaral, senior, political economy and Spanish major from Houston, TX: “I’m proud to remain a staunch supporter of Ted Cruz. He demanded that conservatives stop surrendering and start standing on principle when asked about defunding Planned Parenthood. I was also blown away by Carly Fiorina and her commitment to defend America from its enemies abroad and restore its culture from internal decay. We have an American Thatcher on our hands. Fiorina won’t back down.”

Veronica Lyter, Ph.D. candidate in politics and statesmanship from Chicago, IL: “Carly Fiorina said that a leader challenges the status quo and produces results—this election, for Fiorina, is about changing the system. I would have liked to hear her speak more about what that change might look like and on what principles she would implement that change. The candidates seemed to agree unanimously that Planned Parenthood needs to be defunded, but the Planned Parenthood video scandal overshadowed the abortion issue as a whole. Also, I would have liked to hear the candidates speak more on abortion generally. Finally, the question of Kim Davis came up, but it overshadowed the whole issue of marriage. I would have liked to hear the candidates speak more about marriage and the family.”

John Brooks, MA candidate in politics and statesmanship from South Lyon, MI: “I was most impressed with Fiorina’s concern about the character of the American people as she discussed Planned Parenthood. The American Founders thought virtue to be of utmost importance for the perpetuation of the Union. Fiorina’s worry is well founded: can a nation that justifies infanticide long endure?”

Zachary Reynolds, MA candidate in politics and statesmanship from Alleyton, TX: “I was looking for substance, someone to get beyond political rhetoric. A few candidates gave us that, but none better than Carly Fiorina. She offered us a strong ideal connected to concrete policies and plans.”

“Hillsdale College is one of the crown jewels of American education,” said Mike Gallagher, nationally syndicated radio host and moderator of the student focus group. “I cannot think of a better place to be in America tonight than with these bright college students. I was so encouraged to see this group of Millennials so committed to the political process.”

Selected students will also be featured during The Mike Gallagher Show radio broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon EST on Sept. 17 to discuss the Republican debates.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts on outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 2.9 million.

About the Salem Radio Network

Dallas-based Salem Radio Network (a division of Salem Media Group) provides 24/7 national news to over 1600 terrestrial radio stations and SiriusXM’s Patriot Channel on satellite radio through its SRN News and Townhall.com news services. SRN also produces national talk shows including Bill Bennett’s MORNING IN AMERICA, The Mike Gallagher Show, The Dennis Prager Show, The Eric Metaxas Show, and The Hugh Hewitt Show.

Common Core nationalizes absurdity, superficiality, and political bias

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AWC Family Foundation lecture: “Story-Killers: How the Common Core Destroys Minds and Souls” lecture given by Terrence O. Moore, Professor of History, Hillsdale College on Thursday, January 9, 2014.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/2npftyFvkWo[/youtube]

The Common Core Standards control the testing and curriculum of public schools and a large number of private schools in over forty states in the nation. Sold to the public as a needed reform, the Common Core nationalizes absurdity, superficiality, and political bias in the American classroom. As a result, the great stories of a great nation are at risk, along with the minds and souls of our children.

Terrence O. Moore is an assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College. A former Marine with a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, he served as the founding principal of a top K-12 classical school in Colorado and advises Hillsdale’s Charter School Initiative, providing assistance with the formation of classical charter schools across the country. Dr. Moore is the author of The Perfect Game and The Story-Killers: A Common Sense Case Against the Common Core.

Classical Academy comes to Sarasota, Florida

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Josh and Harmony, two teachers with children, have made it their mission to start a classical academy serving the Sarasota County area. At first they applied to become a charter school but thought better of it and decided on the private school model. Because of their efforts the Classical Academy of Sarasota (TCA) is now registering students for the 2014-2015 school year.

TCA will host an Open House and informational meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at their campus at 8751 Fruitville Road (Faith Baptist Church). In an email TCA states, “Come see our beautiful campus and learn what classical education looks like in the classroom, from kindergarten to high school. Applications will be available that evening and TCA leadership will be on hand to answer all questions.” To learn more visit www.tcasarasota.com or email info@tcasarasota.com.

According to their website:

The mission of The Classical Academy of Sarasota is to develop the academic potential of each student through a rigorous, content-rich, classical liberal arts education while building in them a virtuous character.

Our purpose is to develop graduates who are logical thinkers, coherent writers, confident speakers, thoughtful leaders and responsible virtuous citizens.

Classical education has had a resurgence across America, and Sarasota is finally getting a classical liberal arts school the fall of 2014 The Classical Academy of Sarasota (TCA) will open its doors as a Pre-K to 9th grade school, adding a grade every year, graduating the first senior class in 2017.

Classical education is a balanced education that attends to advancing the student’s intellect while instructing their moral character. Students have, at their command, a large body of factual knowledge, a logical frame of mind that allows them to organize and analyze facts, and the ability to put forward reasoned and persuasive arguments in what they say and write.

Classically educated students are:

  • logical thinkers
  • coherent writers
  • confident eloquent speakers
  • thoughtful leaders
  • responsible virtuous citizens

TCA’s founders spent a year and a half consulting with Hillsdale College in the creation of the school. Their input into academic philosophy and curriculum has helped establish the strong foundation which TCA will build upon in the coming years.

TCA will open as a private school in order to provide greater competition in the free-market to the public school system. TCA will be a school free from the Common Core, free from test driven curriculum, and free to educate the next generation of self-governing citizens who truly understand the rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As a private school we want ALL kids to have access and therefore we need the help of people who understand the value of providing an education that focuses on individual achievement and producing leaders and entrepreneurs. The words of Reagan remind us that, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

If you are interested in finding out more about The Classical Academy of Sarasota or to support its mission please visit the website at www.tcasarasota.com.