“We cannot become the masters and possessors of a nature that transcends the material and exists in tension toward a divine reality.” ~ Michael Henry | Read Intercollegiate Review every Thursday for the best of intellectual conservative thought.

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CATEGORY: LAW (4 MIN)

Fertility fight

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Lawyers have recently faced a spate of ethical and constitutional difficulties related to the advent of fertility technology. Researchers and thinkers have barely scratched the surface of all the implications of techniques like IVF. Now, some international scientists are trying to create sex cells from any cell.

But in the US, today’s fight centers on the personhood of frozen embryos created through IVF. As Emma Waters reports for First Things

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, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that those embryos deserved the same protection as unborn children in the womb. Waters notes that Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote a bold concurring opinion arguing that the people of Alabama had created laws relying on a Christian view of the sanctity of life.

Although the decision does not make IVF illegal, as Waters points out, it has led to several Alabama clinics closing their doors to determine whether they can comply with this new ruling. Waters writes that many embryos at IVF centers are often left frozen or simply destroyed, practices which might run afoul of this new ruling. But she also references Louisiana, where IVF clinics have adjusted to be able to operate with a similar ruling in place since 1986.

To learn more about the decision and its implications, read Waters’ article here

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Read Now

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Weekly Poll

RESULTS: 2/22/24

Last week, we asked: Do you think the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negatively impacted some American workers and industries? Here are the results:

[A] Yes, and the trade deal wasn't worth the negative impact - 45.1%

[B] Yes, but the trade deal was mostly good for America - 35.3%

[C] No - 13.7%

[D] Unsure - 5.9%

Do you think it is morally acceptable to willfully destroy human embryos?

[A] Yes

[B] No

[C] Unsure

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CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP (4 MIN)

Transcendent teachings

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Many in the academic world often find themselves struggling to balance two important values: timeliness and timelessness. It’s obviously important to be timely—not just to attract an audience but also to have instant effect on the world around us. And it’s just as vital to be timeless—to create a work that can be appreciated for years, decades, and centuries to come.

For T

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he American Spectator

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, Daniel J. Flynn describes this balance and its presence in the new book Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill

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by ISI President Johnny Burtka. Flynn finds the book unique in its timing. 2024 happens to be an election year, and Flynn recounts the litany of partisan and inflammatory works which have arrived already this year.

Burtka’s book, according to Flynn, doesn’t fit neatly within this category. It doesn’t seek to make a political point or target either presidential candidate. Instead, it offers guidance to anyone seeking to become more principled and statesmanlike. Yet Flynn also finds the book very timely, speaking to modern politicians with just as much force as it would have spoken to ancient leaders.

Read Flynn’s entire piece, including several excerpts from Burtka’s book, right here

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Read Now

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CATEGORY: PODCAST EPISODE

Exploring the Minds of the Founding Fathers | Michael Barone

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Join us on a captivating journey through the minds of the Founding Fathers—men of intellect, integrity, and ambition who shaped the early American republic.

In Mental Maps of the Founders, Michael Barone explores the geographic orientation of six key figures, unraveling the stories of Virginians with different compass points in mind, a refugee from Puritan Boston forging a new path in Philadelphia, and individuals from diverse commercial hubs. From the sugar-and-slave island of St. Croix to the stern Swiss city-state of Geneva, their disparate origins shaped the foundation and management of a financial system vital for the young republic's commerce.

Inspired by the richness of Founding Fathers literature, Barone, a map enthusiast and co-author of The Almanac of American Politics, presents reflective essays that unveil how the mental maps of these visionaries helped define the contours and character of a fledgling nation navigating unknown geographical features and political boundaries.

Texts Mentioned:

Mental Maps of the Founders

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by Michael Barone

Notes on the State of Virginia

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by Thomas Jefferson

Thoughts on the Cause of Present Discontents

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by Edmund Burke

Watch Now

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CATEGORY: NEWS BROADCAST

The EXTINCTION Of American Statesmen

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Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti are joined by Johnny Burtka to discuss his new book on historic statesman, Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill

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Watch Now

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Conservative ​​​​Book of the Year Award Ceremony and Reception

​​​March 15th, 2024

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute proudly announces Chris Rufo as the winner of the 2024 Conservative Book of the Year Award for his exceptional work, America’s Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything. This book stands as a beacon of insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary in today’s dynamic cultural landscape.

Join us for an evening of recognition and celebration

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at the prestigious National Press Club on Friday, March 15, as we honor the Conservative Book of the Year. The ceremony will commence at 6 PM, starting with a cocktail hour from 6:00 – 7:00 PM that offers attendees a chance to mingle and discuss the thought-provoking works of our finalists. The award ceremony and acceptance speech will follow from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.

Join us in Washington, DC >>>

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Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.

Nikki Haley Takes on Trump, Biden at Troy Rally

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via The Michigan Review

“On February 25, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley took aim at President Joe Biden (D) and former President Donald Trump (R) at a rally in Troy, Michigan. Haley stressed fiscal responsibility, national security, and electability.”

UChicago Schedules BDSM Workshop for Students with Fly-by-Night Sex Studio

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via The Chicago Thinker

“UChicago Student Wellness is holding a ‘kink and consent’ workshop for students at the Student Wellness Center with Heartland Kinbaku

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, a fly-by-night sex studio in Logan Square that does not comply with Chicago’s adult entertainment zoning laws. The workshop offers students the opportunity to learn about tying up sexual partners for satisfaction—and raises questions about UChicago’s ethical standards.”

Students Fight Pornography with WRAP Week

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via The Irish Rover

“Students for Child-Oriented Policy (SCOP) recently hosted White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) Week, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about and fighting against pornography use and addiction.”

Pomona Students Vote to Divest from Israeli "Apartheid"

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via The Claremont Independent

“On Thursday, February 22, Pomona College's student government, released the results from the referendum on 'the apartheid system within the State of Israel.' Voters were asked to vote 'yes' or 'no' on five propositions concerning the college's endowment... With a 59.2 percent voter turnout, 78.29 percent voted for the College to 'cease all academic support' for the State of Israel, 86.17 percent voted for the College to disclose its 'investments in all companies aiding the ongoing apartheid system within the State of Israel,' and 81.67 percent voted for the college to divest completely from said companies.”

Stanford RAs Ordered to Demo Kissing for Freshmen in Bizarre Consent Lesson

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via The Stanford Review

“Full Moon on the Quad, a Stanford tradition dating back to 1891

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, is making its grand return this year. The ASSU student government is partnering

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with the Title IX office to make sure that the tradition—in which Stanford students come together under a full moon to kiss one another, no strings attached—goes off without a hitch. The tradition, which started off with male seniors giving red roses to the freshman girl of their choice, has now turned into a school-sponsored, color-coded kiss-fest for all.”​​​​​​

CATEGORY: ETHICS (24 MIN)

Dangerous decisions

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Given the speedy advent of reproductive technology, no one knows exactly what the future of human engineering holds. But scientists have guesses. Already, some have predicted a world where parents can choose nearly every physical aspect of their unborn children and design them to their own specifications. How are those who care about moral implications supposed to think about such a future?

For this week’s Intercollegiate Review

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archive, Michael Henry discusses the effect that advances in biotechnology and genetics may have on morality—and humanity itself. Henry lists several other suggested possible advances in the future: reproductive human cloning, efforts to stop aging, and the complete separation of childbearing from sexual relationships.

Henry looks at all of these options and finds a common theme: they continue the modern trend of attempting to separate our bodies from our spirits—something Henry says is ultimately impossible.

“As long as human nature is understood as biology infused with spirit, it is beyond human control. We cannot become the masters and possessors of a nature that transcends the material and exists in tension toward a divine reality,” Henry writes.

Read his thoughtful article here

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Read Now

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Thought of the Day:



“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.”

- Psalm 139:13-16

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Join ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club

It’s never been easier for you to support our mission—and stay part of our community—with ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club!

For just $19.53 a month, you can join the fight and “pay it forward” by educating the next generation for ordered liberty.

Join the Club

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