The idea of ​​“academic freedom” in American higher education is a fairly new concept. Before a recent change in educational practices, religious ideals were deeply ingrained in higher education curricula. Towards the end of the 20th century, however, the idea of ​​academic freedom became more widespread in the higher education community. As a result, the influence of religion played a lesser role in the development of curricula at colleges and universities as professors seized upon newly granted academic freedom. With the advent of the modern liberal movement in the United States, the atmosphere in colleges and universities has become increasingly oppressive toward Christianity in the name of “academic freedom.” This problem was effectively characterized in William Buckley's God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of “Academic Freedom.” Dating back to the medieval era in world history, religion has played a key role in higher education. With the Catholic Church at the top of the social hierarchy throughout the Middle Ages and early modern world history, religious influence was prevalent throughout academia (“Academic” 16). However, as religious unrest and societal questioning increased during the 16th century, religion began to play a smaller role in higher education. The most significant schism in academia corresponded to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwin's evolutionary theory significantly undermined the Christian idea of ​​creationism, causing a major rift in pedagogical foundations. Most institutions initially favored creationist theory or were indifferent in choosing teachers for their schools (“Academic” 17). However, as the idea of ​​academic freedom proliferated in the United States during… mid-century… the problem of Christian oppression in American institutions of higher learning may never have been more widespread. As the world continues to embrace the modern concept of “cultural relativism” and a more secular approach to education, attitudes toward the Christian faith continue to deteriorate. With the “new” academic freedom corresponding to modern liberal ideology, the “old,” “original” academic freedom truly necessary to advance society will diminish in the face of a world that embraces relativism. Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia. Armonk, NY: Myron E. Sharpe, 2006. Print.Buckley, William F.. God and Man at Yale; The superstitions of academic freedom. Chicago: Regnery, 1951. Print.Carpenter, Lucas. “Religion and Liberal Arts Education.” Humanist 67.2 (2007): 25. MasterFILE Premier. Network. April 15. 2014.