The University System of Georgia (USG) has finally gotten its act together. After years of being hindered by political and social agendas, the Board of Regents has decided to prioritize education once again. They’re ditching the distractions and focusing on what college is actually supposed to be about gaining knowledge, not pushing ideologies. Honestly, it’s about time someone remembered that!

The USG oversees 26 public colleges and universities in Georgia, along with the state archives and public library system, and is addressing divisive practices. The proposed policies include banning diversity statements and ideological tests from admissions and hiring. Students or employees will no longer need to prove their political leanings to get in or get ahead. Instead, admissions and hiring decisions will be based purely on qualifications.

The biggest change will be its commitment to institutional neutrality. The Board wants campuses to avoid taking sides on social and political issues unless those issues are directly tied to the school’s mission. Finally, colleges will be focusing on education instead of activism!

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, USG students will get a mandatory dose of America’s founding principles. Classes will cover stuff like the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers, the Bill of Rights, and even Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Students will also learn about Georgia’s Constitution, grounding them in national and state history.

The Board of Regents defends these changes as essential for building a productive, informed society. In their own words, colleges have a duty to prepare students “to understand the ideals of freedom and democracy that make America exceptional.”

As for ditching DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives, the Board says it’s all about merit and equal opportunity. Admissions and hiring should depend on skills, not beliefs.

The Board also doubled down on promoting free speech and campus civil discourse. They’re pushing for open debates and the exchange of ideas to be the norm—not the exception.

In another move, the Board of Regents has urged the NCAA to ban transgender men from competing in women’s sports, citing fairness and alignment with NAIA rules.

Looks like Georgia’s public universities are finally prioritizing education, equality, and common sense. Let’s hope others follow suit.