Since 2016, 17 public universities in a dozen states have established civics schools or centers, also known as CTLs, in an effort to educate future leaders on American civics, classical philosophy, logic, economics, and related fields. As noted in last year’s annual report, the University Senate rejected a proposal to give the program “University Center” status. Rainwater and Cassanello linked the civics programs to donations from the Koch brothers, philanthropists known for supporting libertarian and conservative causes. Supporters of the civics schools also believe they are helping win back public trust for higher education. MORE: Critics label left-wing plot to target new civics schools as misguided, alarmist