Nearly 700 University of North Carolina faculty members signed an open letter denouncing two bills that would require students to take a civics class before graduating. According to faculty members, the bills violate the principles of academic freedom and shared governance, hurt UNC’s reputation, and bring scrutiny from accrediting agencies. But if a state-run entity takes state money, shouldn’t it be obligated to follow the public policy of those who fund it? Namely the taxpayers. It’s important for students to understand civil rights and our form of government. In a time when canceling opposing viewpoints is the norm, students need to be taught that our country was founded on the principles of a democratic republic, which involve the free exchange of ideas and open debate—something our schools should wholeheartedly support.