North America

A&M officials have also instructed English faculty not to teach books in core classes that have major plotlines concerning gay, lesbian or transgender identities.

Visa appointment delays, threats to OPT, SEVIS revocations and more made 2025 a complicated and ever-changing environment. Colleges are looking to innovate this year to withstand the tide.

Trump-imposed economic pressures should prompt us to confront the mismatch between PhD admissions and academic jobs, says Joshua Snider 

Department officials say they are creating a level playing field. Advocates and committee members say they are leaving students vulnerable.

Republicans achieved a key victory in passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and addressing a number of higher ed–related priorities last year. But more challenges loom in 2026.

Last year, the Trump administration widely rejected funding research it disfavors. But, just before 2026 began, one of its agencies agreed in court filings to take another look at proposals it sat on or turned down.

Higher education leaders pessimistic about future under Trump administration as recent campus shootings darken the outlook

The state’s lame-duck Republican officials sided with the Trump administration and asked a federal judge to block the Virginia Dream Act. Incoming Democrats and advocacy groups are vowing to fight.

The decision comes after the Department of Education asked the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel to review the legality of a number of programs they said used racial “quotas.”

At least 16 nonprofit institutions announced closures this year due to enrollment and financial challenges, the same as last year. But there were fewer mergers announced.