The Latest Breaking News from UATX

Niall Ferguson Compares ChatGPT-Like AI Tools To 'Very Dangerous Drugs,' Economist And Historian Warns Current Generation Is Already Damaged

Historian and economist Niall Ferguson told students at the University of Austin (UATX) that giving anyone under 25 unlimited access to ChatGPT "will just be dumber" than others, warning AI tools are a “disaster” for “neural development” while the brain is still forming.

Benzinga · Jul 16, 2025

With $200 million and state approval, University of Austin is ready to start accepting applicants

The university was started by a group of higher education critics who believe traditional higher education has abandoned its commitment to open inquiry, free speech and civil discourse.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 8, 2023

Bari Weiss, Joe Lonsdale, and Niall Ferguson have dreams of building a free speech school in Texas. Emails from a regulator reveal they aren’t authorized to call it a ‘college’

Aggressive timelines and initial missteps could throw a wrench in plans for the University of Austin.

Fortune · Jun 14, 2023