Why I’m co-founding a new university dedicated to freedom of thought and study

Frustrated with how modern universities stifle free thought and academic diversity, a group of writers and entrepreneurs announced Monday that they are launching their own institute of higher learning: The University of Austin. Joe Lonsdale, a partner at 8VC and a founder of Palantir, Addepar, Resilience Bio, and other multi-billion dollar technology companies, is one of the founders. Here, in an exclusive for The Post, he outlines the school’s mission.

Former New York Times reporter Bari Weiss helped found The University of Austin along with several writers and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Peter Boghossian, who previously taught at Portland State, will serve as one of the University of Austin’s faculty.

Harvard professor Steven Pinker has also joined the University of Austin as an advisor.