Heterodox Academy (HxA)
Western Michigan University is a member of the Heterodox Academy (HxA) and one of 23 members of the first cohort for Heterodox Academy’s Campus Community Network, joining such institutions as Johns Hopkins University, McGill University, MIT and the University of California-Berkeley. We are the only higher ed institution in Michigan represented. The Heterodox Academy (HxA) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving college campuses by “advocating for principles of viewpoint diversity, open inquiry and constructive disagreement.” Supported by the HxA, Jeff Breneman, vice president for government relations; Dr. Doug Lepisto, associate professor of management; and Jennifer Townsend, executive assistant to the Lee Honors College dean and an adjunct instructor, will lead our Campus Community Network. In the coming months, there will be more information rolling out. HxA provides framework, data, tools, and platforms to help people understand and address the challenges facing institutions of higher learning regarding open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. Members and other supporters of HxA--the actual agents of change--are encouraged to use these materials by acting in their communities, classrooms, institutions, and disciplines.