Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist Ep 130: "Free speech is not enough" — UATX President Carlos Carvalho on Charlie Kirk, Fighting Communists & the Duty of a University
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 Carlos Carvalho, President of the University of Austin, shares insights on why mere free speech is insufficient for universities today. He argues for a recommitment to foundational principles of Western civilization, highlighting his experiences growing up in Brazil during a communist threat. Carvalho discusses the importance of a robust curriculum and a proactive stance against partisanship. He also emphasizes innovative approaches to education, including free tuition and vocational programs, aiming to cultivate principled leaders for the future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Free Speech Alone Is Insufficient
- Carlos Carvalho argues that "just free speech is not enough" to fix campus violence and decay.
- He says universities must teach and defend the principles of Western civilization to form a courageous elite.
Reject Institutional Neutrality
- Carvalho distinguishes political engagement from partisan advocacy and rejects value-neutral curricula.
- He says universities should be explicitly pro-civilization while preserving rigorous debate and academic freedom.
Brazilian Upbringing Against Communism
- Carvalho recounts growing up in Brazil as the son of a navy officer during anti-communist conflicts in the 1960s.
- His father told him: "Learn math, learn languages, and always watch out for the communists."
