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AI-generated text in US PhD dissertations rises sharply, with STEM and philosophy showing distinct trends
2 days ago•Source: Daily Nous
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Cornell President Kotlikoff Faces Board and Faculty as Sexual Assault Crisis Deepens
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff is facing intense scrutiny from the board of trustees and faculty over the university's handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation. While Kotlikoff has banned fraternity parties and apologized, critics argue the administration's response was inadequate, leading to a potential vote of no confidence and a broader review of the school's disciplinary records.
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Cornell Faculty Demand No-Confidence Vote as President Defends Handling of 2024 Fraternity Rape
Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff faces a no-confidence vote from the Faculty Senate after acknowledging he did not follow up on the criminal investigation of a 2024 alleged gang rape at a Chi Phi fraternity house. While the administration has suspended fraternity parties and brought in state police for investigations, critics argue the university’s Title IX punishments remain too lenient, with most students found responsible for sexual assault avoiding expulsion.
SFUSD Board Votes to Replace Lottery with Neighborhood School Assignments by 2028
The San Francisco Unified School District board voted 5-2 to abolish its controversial lottery enrollment system, replacing it with a neighborhood-based assignment model effective in fall 2028. Superintendent Maria Su endorsed the change, arguing it provides predictability and forces the district to improve local schools, while critics warned that resource gaps in underserved areas could worsen under the new policy.
Cornell President Admits Failure to Follow Up on 2024 Fraternity Assault, Announces Sweeping Campus Reforms
Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff admitted in a rare interview that he knew about a 2024 gang rape report but failed to follow up or track the accused. He announced immediate suspensions of fraternity parties and an independent review led by former official Sally Yates, as the university faces a no-confidence vote and state prosecution.
UMD suspends club tennis team after KKK-linked graphic sent to rivals
The University of Maryland indefinitely suspended its club tennis team after members sent emails containing racist imagery, including a symbol associated with the Ku Klux Klan, to other universities ahead of a fall invitational tournament. The graphic, which targeted Black and African American people, was discovered by Howard University’s team and UMD Recreation and Wellness staff on Saturday. UMD President Darryll J. Pines apologized, suspended the entire team, referred the incident to police, and required the team to forfeit its matches. An investigation is underway by the Office of Student Conduct, with Howard University demanding formal accountability and sensitivity training.
Cornell Halts Fraternity Events, Brings In State Police After 2024 Assault Lawsuit
Cornell University suspended all fraternity parties for the 2026-2027 academic year and integrated New York State Police into campus investigations following a civil lawsuit alleging a 2024 sexual assault. President Michael Kotlikoff announced these measures to address systemic failures, while the case remains under review by state Attorney General Letitia James.
Penn State to shutter 47 degree programs in major academic restructuring
Penn State has finalized recommendations to close 47 of its 403 undergraduate and associate degree programs, affecting approximately 1.1% of the student body. The cuts, driven by low enrollment and duplication, include 11 programs at University Park and span multiple campuses. While graduate programs remain unaffected, 71 additional programs face evaluation next year. The university emphasizes strategic reallocation of resources rather than simple cost-cuting, with teach-out plans to support current students.
Cornell hires Sally Yates for independent review as Jane Doe faces escalating threats
Cornell University has appointed former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review of its handling of a 2024 alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity. This move follows a civil lawsuit filed by the accuser, known as Jane Doe, and intensifying scrutiny from New York state officials. While the university faces internal protests and a faculty no-confidence motion, Doe has reported severe safety concerns, including a swatting incident and doxxing attempts, complicating the ongoing legal and institutional investigations.
Record 11,982 US School Book Bans in 2025-26 Driven by AI and State Laws
PEN America reports a record 11,982 book bans in US public schools for the 2025-26 year, driven by new state laws in Texas and Florida and the use of AI to flag titles. The surge affected over 7,300 unique works, with fiction and manga heavily targeted, while 114 school districts enacted bans.
Timberline walkout follows police probe of violent football chat
Hundreds of students at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho, walked out of class on October 7 to protest violent messages allegedly sent by football players in a private group chat. The Boise Police Department is investigating the threats, which include references to sexual violence and murder, while the school district has paused internal disciplinary actions to avoid interfering with the criminal probe. The controversy led to the forfeiture of the homecoming football game and a petition with over 12,000 signatures demanding accountability.
DHS Shifts $100K OPT Work Fee Burden to Universities
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule requiring universities to pay $70,000 for each international student participating in Optional Practical Training, with an additional $30,000 for STEM extensions. This shifts the financial burden from students to institutions, aiming to curb what officials call 'cheap labor' pipelines while facing potential legal challenges and enrollment concerns.