higher-education17.54 min read
Harvard professors vote to cap A grades to curb grade inflation
7 days ago•Source: The Washington Post
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DOJ flags Yale Medical School for race-based admissions bias
The Justice Department concluded Yale School of Medicine discriminated in admissions based on race, favoring Black and Hispanic applicants over White and Asian ones, in violation of federal civil rights law. The finding comes after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions and mirrors similar findings the DOJ issued to UCLA earlier this month. Yale did not immediately comment.
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DOJ files suit against Harvard over campus antisemitism and student protection
The U.S. Justice Department has sued Harvard University, alleging the school failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment on campus—describing incidents where protesters blocked entry to buildings and students were pressured to hide yarmulkes. The suit claims Harvard violated civil rights laws and its own policies, seeking court orders to bolster protections and even allowing the government to halt federal grant payments. Harvard countered that it has taken steps to address antisemitism and will defend itself; this marks the second DOJ action against Harvard this year (following an earlier lawsuit over admissions records).
Treasury to Handle Defaulted Student Loans in Education Department Restructure
The Education Department says the Treasury Department will take over collecting on defaulted student loans as the first phase of a three-step plan to spin off key functions from the department; supporters say Treasury is better equipped to manage debt collection, but critics worry the change will confuse borrowers and signal broader dismantling of Education Department.
UT System Sets Rules to Minimize 'Controversial' Topics in Courses
UT System Regents unanimously approved a rule requiring universities to ensure graduates can finish programs without studying “unnecessary controversial subjects,” and to have syllabi disclose covered topics with a mandate for a broad, balanced discussion. Critics warn the vague terms could push self-censorship and leave students less prepared for real-world work, and civil-rights advocates warn of potential legal challenges and bias against Black students and faculty. The policy does not ban topics like race or gender but increases oversight amid broader campus reforms and state guidance under Senate Bill 37 and related changes.
Texas A&M professor sues over firing tied to gender-identity lesson
Former Texas A&M lecturer Melissa McCoul filed a federal lawsuit alleging her firing over a gender-identity lesson violated her First Amendment free-speech rights and due-process protections, and that state officials pressured for termination; she seeks reinstatement, back pay and punitive damages, as the university has moved to restrict contentious course content.
Texas A&M Ends Women's and Gender Studies Degree Amid Campus Review
Texas A&M announced it will discontinue its women’s and gender studies degree program due to low enrollment and cost, tying the decision to a campus-wide course review sparked by a viral incident over gender-content material; six undergraduate courses were canceled under a policy restricting race and gender discussions, with current students allowed to finish their programs over six semesters but no new admissions.
Spanberger's Virginia shake-up prompts UVa board resignations
Incoming Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger urged resignations from several University of Virginia board members, including its leaders and a major donor, prompting at least four resignations as Democrats take top state posts; UVa rector Rachel Sheridan described the university's efforts as being 'paralyzed through purposeful political warfare.'
Brown University Under Investigation for Security Concerns After Shooting
The U.S. Education Department will investigate Brown University to determine if it complied with the Clery Act regarding crime reporting and safety procedures following a mass shooting that resulted in two deaths and nine injuries.
Harvard's Endowment Grows Despite Political and Funding Challenges
Harvard University is facing a $113 million deficit despite receiving record-breaking donations this year, as it resists pressure from the Trump administration.
Harvard Faces Challenges Amid Political and Social Tensions
The Trump administration's budget cuts have significantly impacted over 1,500 young scientists at Harvard, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who rely on federal funding for salaries, stipends, and tuition support.
"UPenn President's Resignation Sparks Speculation on Harvard's Claudine Gay"
After University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill resigned following her testimony before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Harvard President Claudine Gay is facing mounting calls for her resignation. Gay's refusal to directly answer a question about Harvard's policies on bullying and harassment in relation to calls for the genocide of Jews has sparked backlash. While Gay claims to have the support of the Harvard Corporation, their silence on the matter has left her presidency uncertain. Faculty members have expressed support for Gay, but her fate ultimately lies in the hands of the Corporation.