A Center for American Progress report warns that politicized governing boards have eroded academic freedom at public universities and recommends limiting board authority over teaching and research, depoliticizing appointments, and eliminating post‑tenure review mechanisms that empower political firings. The report cites high‑profile episodes—New College of Florida and other boards in Florida, Ohio and North Carolina—as case studies. The Association of Governing Boards (AGB) and other governance groups published companion guidance on how boards can protect institutional independence while fulfilling fiduciary duties. Recommendations include clarifying decision‑rights, enhancing trustee selection criteria, and creating independent appointment bodies to reduce partisan capture. University presidents and faculty governance leaders should use the guidance to negotiate clearer role definitions with trustees, update bylaws, and consider statutory reforms at the state level to safeguard academic mission amid political turnover.