Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions

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The Kraynak Institute is a forum for civic debate and scholarly research that enlivens the intellectual discourse among students and faculty by promoting a set of ideals that have their origins in Western civilization and traditions, but are universal in scope and appeal.

We study the ideals of free speech, intellectual freedom, and constitutional democracy as they have been understood and established by America’s founders. We also advance the study of Western traditions and cultural heritage. The serious study of these ideals, achievements, and institutions — from the time of the early American Republic and in the contemporary world — is critical to educating citizens and leaders.

Upcoming Events

The Cost of Silence: Restoring Viewpoint Diversity in Higher Education
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News and Updates

Center for Freedom and Western Civilization Elevated to Institute of Advanced Study

 In honor of its 20th anniversary, the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization has been elevated to an institute for advanced study and renamed the Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions in honor of Founding Director Robert Kraynak, professor of political science. Now under the co-directorship of Carolyn Guile, associate professor of art, and David Dudrick, George Carleton Jr. Professor of philosophy, the institute’s mission is to cultivate intellectual diversity within a liberal arts education.

2025 Constitution Day Debate

Legal Scholars Debate Question of a US Constitutional Crisis

Michael Klarman, the Charles Warren Professor of legal history at Harvard Law School

Jonathan Turley, the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of public interest law at George Washington University

Two legal scholars addressed the issue of a Constitutional crisis within the United States during Colgate’s annual Constitution Day Debate on Sept. 18, taking sides on whether such a crisis exists and answering questions from the audience gathered in Colgate Memorial Chapel.  The debate was the first fall event for the newly renamed Robert P. Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions, with support from the Office of the President, the Dean of the Faculty, and University Events, and moderated by Stephen P. Garvey ’87, A. Robert Noll Professor of law at Cornell Law School. Since 2005, Colgate has celebrated Constitution Day each year by bringing to campus seasoned experts in their fields to debate topics facing the nation and encourage informed discourse among students. Watch the full debate below.

Student Excellence Opportunities

Summer Research Fellowships

2025 CFWC Fellows dinner at the Colgate Inn in May 2025.

The Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions sponsors up to 13 students for Summer Fellowships to pursue faculty-mentored summer research projects focused on themes related to the Institute’s priorities.

More about fellowships

Awards & Scholarships

James Conrad poses for photo with his award

James (JP) Conrad ’25 is the 2025 recipient of the Brian Horey ’82 Civic Freedom Award.

More about awards and scholarships