The University of Austin's Hungarian Connection: A Bastion of Free Speech or a Breeding Ground for Illiberalism?

A Curious Partnership

The University of Austin (UATX), founded by Bari Weiss, champion of the intellectual dark web, prides itself on its unwavering commitment to open inquiry and fearless pursuit of truth. Yet, a closer look reveals a perplexing alliance: a dozen scholars and administrators with ties to Viktor Orbán's Hungarian regime, a government notorious for its tightening grip on academic and media freedoms.

This eyebrow-raising connection begs the question: Can a university genuinely champion free speech while simultaneously harboring individuals linked to a regime that actively undermines it?

A Web of Influence

A Nation investigation has unearthed a network of at least seven UATX board members and five current and former faculty and staff with connections to Orbán-linked programs. From fellowships at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), often dubbed Orbán's "pet university," to collaborations with government-funded think tanks, the ties are undeniable.

The investigation reveals that UATX Dean Benjamin Crocker, after a fellowship at an MCC-funded program, lauded Hungary as a model for cultural preservation, a stark contrast to UATX's purported dedication to intellectual freedom. Similarly, former UATX communications manager Audrey Unverferth, during her time at MCC, contributed to Hungarian government-funded publications that echoed the regime's talking points.

Echoes of Authoritarianism

Kim Lane Scheppele, a Princeton professor specializing in constitutional government, observes a chilling parallel between Orbán's actions in Hungary and the rhetoric employed by certain figures in the United States. "Orbán's destruction of academic freedom in Hungary while purporting to defend 'free speech' is precisely what disguises the horror of what he has done," Scheppele warns.

This raises concerns about the potential influence of such ideologies on UATX's purportedly neutral academic environment.

Funding and Ideology

UATX boasts prominent backers, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel and billionaire Bill Ackman. While these funders tout the university's commitment to ideological diversity and free speech, Ackman's own call for American universities to distance themselves from foreign donors seems at odds with UATX's Hungarian connections.

The question remains: how can UATX reconcile its commitment to free speech with its ties to a regime that actively suppresses dissent?

A Troubling Silence

Despite Weiss's past criticism of Orbán, both she and UATX Dean Patrick Shoaf Gray remained unresponsive to requests for comment regarding these troubling connections. This silence raises further questions about the university's transparency and commitment to its stated principles.

As the University of Austin continues to develop, the shadow of its Hungarian connections looms large. Whether this association will ultimately enhance or undermine the university's mission remains to be seen.