Campus Reform, once a niche conservative website, is now at the center of a national movement targeting perceived liberal bias in American colleges. What started as a small online platform has grown into a powerful voice, influencing federal investigations and shaping public opinion.

From Fringe to Mainstream: The Rise of Campus Reform

Founded in 2009 by the Leadership Institute, Campus Reform began as a social media outlet to connect young conservatives. In 2012, it transitioned into a full-fledged news platform, publishing stories that highlight alleged left-leaning bias on college campuses.

Since then, the site has published thousands of articles, often written by student contributors, focusing on liberal professors, progressive events, and campus controversies. Headlines are designed to grab attention—like the recent feature on a workshop titled, “Ethical Non-Monogamy” taught by a self-described queer, neurodivergent professor.

Who is Zachary Marschall?

Zachary Marschall, the current Editor-in-Chief, has played a central role in Campus Reform’s growing influence. Since taking over in 2022, he has expanded the site’s focus, now using federal civil rights laws to file antisemitism complaints against major universities.

Marschall, who holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies and teaches part-time at the University of Kentucky, has filed 33 formal complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. These actions have sparked 16 federal investigations, including one into Princeton University, which he accused of fostering an environment hostile to Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.

“I never thought these complaints would actually be investigated,” Marschall admitted. “The outcome has been as surprising to me as anyone else.”

Political Backing and National Impact

Under the Trump administration, Campus Reform’s message has found new momentum. Fighting antisemitism is now a major focus for the Department of Education, which is investigating over 60 colleges based on similar complaints.

Meanwhile, universities are adjusting—some have closed diversity offices, revised protest rules, or cracked down on student activism to avoid federal scrutiny.

The Leadership Institute, Campus Reform’s parent organization, has also brought in prominent conservative figures like Riley Gaines, who became a media figure after speaking out against transgender participation in women’s sports. In 2023, the group spent $34 million on conservative student training, including $1.5 million on Campus Reform.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its influence, Campus Reform faces strong backlash. Critics say it creates a distorted, one-sided view of college life by using isolated incidents to shape broader narratives. Professors and students featured in its articles often become targets of online harassment, hate mail, and threats.

Faculty Fear and Free Speech Concerns

Jason Stanley, a Jewish philosophy professor formerly at Yale University, says being targeted by Campus Reform severely affected his life. After criticizing another professor on social media, he became the subject of intense right-wing media coverage, including a feature on Campus Reform.

“It was the worst period of my professional life,” Stanley said. “This kind of exposure chills free speech and leaves faculty terrified.”

Stanley received threatening calls, hate mail, and even graphic content sent to his home. He has since moved to the University of Toronto, citing the toxic political environment in the U.S.

A Trend Years in the Making

The belief that universities are dominated by liberal ideology isn’t new. In 1951, conservative thinker William F. Buckley Jr. criticized Yale in his book “God and Man at Yale,” accusing the school of being anti-Christian and collectivist.

Campus Reform updated this strategy for the digital age, and others have followed. Groups like Turning Point USA and The College Fix have launched campaigns and watch lists targeting professors they accuse of pushing progressive views.

Books such as “The Coddling of the American Mind” further support this belief, suggesting that today’s students are overly sensitive and quick to censor opinions they don’t like.

The Battle Over Title VI

Marschall’s complaints rely on Title VI, a civil rights law meant to protect against discrimination in federally funded institutions. While he frames his work as a defense of Jewish students, critics argue he’s using the law to silence political speech, especially from other Jewish students who support Palestinian rights.

“When Black students report racism, they’re mocked. But if Jewish students complain about pro-Palestinian peers, suddenly it triggers a federal probe,” said Stanley.

Conclusion: A Conservative Strategy That Changed Higher Ed

Campus Reform has transformed from a small conservative blog into a powerful force shaping how Americans view higher education. Backed by strong political allies and fueled by viral online content, the site has sparked a national reckoning over free speech, academic freedom, and what it means to be truly inclusive on campus.

While its methods remain controversial, there’s no denying that Campus Reform—and figures like Zachary Marschall—have reshaped the conversation around bias, censorship, and freedom in American universities