"Perhaps the best method of achieving a 'repristination' of modern conservatism, as Bill Buckley called it, is exactly what Dr. Hayward’s seminar set out to do: read, think, debate, and, most importantly, listen."
JEB: A Classical Conservative
"For Bush, conservatism strives to create a future by learning from the lessons of the past. 'If there was ever need for a Bill Buckley-like approach to transforming conservatism in this country, it is right now,' Bush noted, pointing to William F. Buckley, Jr.'s trademark brand of intellectual, no-nonsense debate. 'When there is a breakdown of public discourse, everyone loses.'"
Engagement is not Agreement: Thoughts on Governor Bush and the Buckley Program
"The Buckley Program is not a group of radical, ill-intentioned Conservatives trying to stay relevant through sensationalizing trivial news, but rather a group of conscientious and pragmatic thinkers who seek truth in a complex society—much as all Yalies are here to do."
Professor Samuel J. Abrams on Viewpoint Diversity and Faculty Activism
“Universities in particular, as opposed to the rest of the world, are supposed to be “safe spaces” where ideas can be vigorously debated. This is where that social progress occurs...by suppressing this here, we are stunting our social progress.”
Buckley College Essay Contest: 1st Place Winner
This semester, the Buckley Program held a college essay contest with the topic: If you could propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, what would it be? The following essay by Jeffrey Hendricks, a senior in Silliman College, won 1st place. Political observers understand the difficulty of amending the U.S. Constitution. A two-thirds majority of both congressional... Continue Reading →
Buckley College Essay Contest: 2nd Place Winner
This semester, the Buckley Program held a college essay contest with the topic: If you could propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, what would it be? The following essay by Noah Daponte-Smith, a senior in Berkeley College, won 2nd place. In 1913, after winning the approval of three-quarters of the state legislatures, the Constitution was amended... Continue Reading →
Interview with Guy Benson and Mary Katharine Ham
On September 13th, the Buckley Program hosted a conversation with Guy Benson and Mary Katharine Ham on their book End of Discussion: How the Left's Outrage Industry Shuts Down Debate, Manipulates Voters, and Makes America Less Free (and Fun). Ham is a CNN contributor and moderated a 2016 Republican Primary debate. Benson is a frequent Fox News contributor... Continue Reading →
Professor Noël Valis on Free Speech and “Thinking for Yourself”
Earlier this Fall, Professor Noël Valis was among a number of professors at Yale, Harvard, and Princeton to sign a letter (republished by The Beacon here) urging students to "Think for yourself." In the following interview, lightly edited for clarity, Prof. Valis discusses the need for the letter and why she signed it. By: Noah Daponte-Smith Noah: How... Continue Reading →
Some Thoughts and Advice for Our Students and All Students
The following letter written by professors from Yale, Harvard, and Princeton was first published on 8/29/17 by our friends at the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. With permission, I have re-printed it here. I wish I had the opportunity to read this letter when I was a freshman. Perhaps... Continue Reading →