A new report details how a self-described “Feminist Collective” assumed editorial control of the American Political Science Review and redirected the journal away from traditional scholarship toward diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities. The findings raise concerns about ideological bias at the highest levels of academic publishing and its impact on intellectual rigor.
According to reporting by The College Fix, the editorial team took control of the American Political Science Review in 2020 and openly embraced an activist mission. The editors stated their goal was to “dismantle” systems they defined as racist, sexist, or oppressive within political science. That mission shaped both editorial policy and publication outcomes over the following years.
An analysis conducted by the Goldwater Institute reviewed hundreds of articles published between 2020 and 2025. The report found a heavy emphasis on race, gender, and identity-based topics, while core subjects such as the U.S. Constitution, federalism, and American governance were largely absent. Only a handful of articles directly addressed constitutional issues during that period.
The report also raised questions about the journal’s peer-review process. It concluded that author demographics were given priority, resulting in uneven standards that favored certain identities over content quality. Critics argue this undermines the principle of merit-based scholarship and discourages dissenting viewpoints within the discipline.
Because publication in the American Political Science Review plays a major role in hiring and tenure decisions, the shift carries consequences far beyond one journal. Public universities, many supported by taxpayer funding, rely on such publications to evaluate faculty performance.
The Feminist Collective relinquished editorial control in 2024, though articles approved under its tenure continued appearing into 2025. Calls are growing for reforms to restore neutrality, academic balance, and scholarly standards in political science publishing.
