The Buckley Program Becomes The Buckley Institute
We have exciting news to share.
Over the past decade, The William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale has developed into a national model for promoting intellectual diversity and freedom of speech. Throughout, we stayed true to the ideals that first inspired our small speaker series all those years ago: providing a home for conservative thought and standing up for light and truth over groupthink and conformity on Yale’s campus. We couldn’t be prouder of the work we have done, and your support is what has made our success possible. Thank you very much.
Along the way, it became clear that the many programs we offer, the wide variety of initiatives we undertake, and the increasing number of students we serve extend well beyond the bounds of a simple program. This reality came into sharper focus as we drafted our strategic plan in 2021. Now, it is time for a name that truly reflects the scope of our work, the Buckley Institute.
The new name encapsulates the breadth of our efforts – the speaker series that started it all, our annual conference and national college student survey, our fellowship trip to Washington, D.C., Fight for Yale’s Future, the new Lux et Veritas Leadership Program, our initiatives to advance free speech on campus, and everything else we do to make Yale and the nation better.
The name also highlights our growing impact and reach. We now have more than 550 student fellows, comprising 8.5% of Yale’s undergraduate population.
Even as we make this transition, the student organization will retain The William F. Buckley, Jr. Program name and continue to be the Buckley Institute’s flagship effort. After all, while we look to shape the intellectual climate at Yale, our attention is focused on educating and empowering the future leaders who walk through its classrooms and courtyards every year.
In the coming days, you may notice a few changes to our look and feel. Along with our new name, we are launching a new website with up-to-date design and functionality. Please visit buckleyinstitute.com to check it out. We have also given our iconic logo a makeover of sorts while still honoring the Buckley Institute’s eponym.Becoming the Buckley Institute is a long overdue step for our organization. It is at one time an acknowledgment of continuity with our past accomplishments and the planting of our flag for an even brighter future. Thank you for standing with us and joining us on our journey.
Are there any other changes in mission or programming as a result of the name change from Buckley Program to Buckley Institute?
No.
The decision to change the organization’s name was purely to recognize the growth of the organization from a small speaker series to the multi-faceted one that exists today. Buckley Institute more accurately embodies the many programs we oversee every year.
Will the Buckley Program name no longer be used?
The student organization on Yale’s campus will continue to operate under The William F. Buckley, Jr. Program name. The student organization will still be the flagship effort of the Buckley Institute.
Is the Buckley Institute’s mission different than the Buckley Program’s?
No.
Is the Buckley Institute continuing the programming previously provided by the Buckley Program?
Yes. The Buckley institute will continue to run all of the programming and efforts started under the Buckley Program name, while continuing to expand the organization’s offerings and finding better ways to serve the Yale student community.
Why change the name?
For several years now, our staff, Board of Directors, and many of our supporters and students have recognized that the term “program” did not adequately capture the many efforts our organization has undertaken, including speaking events, multi-day seminars, providing summer internship stipends, our annual conference and Disinvitation Dinners, national polling, and so much more.
The change to Buckley Institute was a recognition that our organization has grown significantly since its modest beginnings.
What else has changed?
At the same time as the Buckley Program changed its name, we launched a brand-new website and updated our logo. Though we have kept our iconic Buckley-esque bulldog, we have given him a makeover and a new color scheme.
How do I support the Buckley Institute?
Donation checks should be made out to Buckley Institute and sent to:
Buckley Institute
234 Church Street, 7th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
You can also donate online if that is more convenient. Donation information, including on other ways to give such as stock contributions or estate gifts, is available here. If you have any questions, please contact Isabelle Hargrove at 203-745-0571 or isabelle@buckleyinstitute.com.