Transparency, Resilience, and the Classical Ideal

We are pleased to announce that Christopher Rufo, a leading voice in the national debate on education, culture, and public policy, will be the keynote speaker at the Classical Renaissance Gala on Saturday, March 8, at 4:30 PM at the Cincinnati Music Hall. Mr. Rufo, a contributing editor for City Journal and author of America’s Cultural Revolution, has become a prominent figure in the fight for educational transparency and reform. He has championed curriculum transparency, parental rights in education, and the moral arguments underlying the current political divide.

Mr. Rufo’s work has shaped the national conversation on these topics, especially through his pivotal role in the push for legislation requiring public schools to disclose their curricula. His advocacy for parents’ right to know what is being taught in their children’s classrooms has made him an influential figure in the current wave of educational policy reform. As Mr. Rufo argues, parents have a moral right to understand the content that shapes their children’s minds, particularly regarding sensitive issues like race, gender, and political ideology.

In addition to his work on educational reform and curriculum transparency, his sharp observations on the state of academia provide a powerful commentary on the current crisis within higher education. In particular, Mr. Rufo highlights the way traditional media and academic institutions, once champions of integrity and accountability, have evolved into defenders of the very systems they once critiqued. This shift is evident in the ongoing scandals surrounding academic misconduct at institutions like Harvard University, where the pursuit of truth and transparency has been undermined by ideological interests.

Beyond his policy work, Mr. Rufo has also led efforts to reform higher education, notably through his involvement with New College of Florida. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Rufo helped transform the institution by revamping its leadership and implementing a new curriculum focused on classical liberal arts. His work at New College exemplifies his broader philosophy that universities—and public institutions in general—can and should serve the public interest without being overtaken by radical ideologies.

Mr. Rufo’s approach to policy has recently shifted from a focus on statistics and performance metrics to moral arguments, recognizing the deeper values conflict between the political Left and Right. As he puts it, conservatives must move beyond economic frames and speak directly to the moral concerns of citizens, especially regarding the content and structure of public education. This shift is already yielding results, with policy victories in school choice and curriculum transparency reflecting the growing power of moral arguments in shaping public policy.

At the Classical Renaissance Gala, Mr. Rufo will bring his unique perspective on how we can reshape the educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of curriculum transparency and a return to the foundational values of Western civilization. His keynote address will offer insights into how educational institutions, from K-12 schools to universities, can be reoriented to better serve families and communities, ensuring that schools remain accountable to the values of the people they are meant to serve.
This evening is an excellent opportunity to engage with Mr. Rufo’s vision for a more transparent and accountable education system, and we invite you to join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, and we look forward to welcoming you to this important gathering. For more information, please visit our Gala website.

Torches Up!