A Texas A&M professor was fired after a student filmed her discussing gender diversity in a children’s literature class, citing legal and political pressures from Republican officials who claimed the content violated state laws and policies. The university removed the instructor and two administrators, citing course description mismatches, amid broader concerns over political interference and restrictions on academic freedom in Texas higher education.
Four University of Rochester students were arraigned on charges of second-degree criminal mischief for allegedly causing over $6,000 in damage by posting 'wanted' posters on campus. The posters accused certain faculty members of complicity in the Gaza conflict, sparking controversy over antisemitism and free speech. The students, who face up to seven years in prison if convicted, were released on their own recognizance. The university plans to conduct its own review, while the incident has divided opinions among students and faculty.
USC students, faculty, and pro-Palestinian protesters are rallying against the university's decision to bar valedictorian Asna Tabassum from speaking at the commencement due to unspecified safety threats, following criticism from pro-Israel groups over a link on her Instagram profile to a pro-Palestinian website. The move has sparked campus tensions and a silent protest, with supporters arguing that it represents institutional silencing and hostility towards Muslim and Palestinian voices, while others express concerns about antisemitism and free speech.
Malak Afaneh, an anti-Israel student, interrupted a dinner at Berkeley Law School, accusing the dean's wife of being a racist groper. Afaneh defended her actions, claiming she was assaulted and portraying herself as a victim. The dean, Erwin Chemerinsky, expressed sadness over the incident and emphasized his commitment to freedom of speech and creating an inclusive community. The student's interruption was to call for an end to the university's financial support of Israel, sparking outrage and backlash.
A dinner for graduating law students at UC Berkeley turned into a free speech controversy when a pro-Palestinian student was confronted by law professor Catherine Fisk while delivering an unsanctioned speech. The student and a group of protesters were eventually asked to leave the event hosted by Fisk and her spouse, law school dean Erwin Chemerinsky. The incident has sparked debate over free speech, Islamophobia, and antisemitism on college campuses, with the university chancellor expressing support for free speech but condemning the use of a private residence for protest.
Pro-Palestine students disrupted a private dinner hosted by the Jewish dean of Berkeley Law School, Erwin Chemerinsky, and his wife, professor Catherine Fisk, with a protest against the "Zionist" professor. The students, led by a co-president of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, used a microphone to voice their grievances, prompting the couple to ask them to leave. The dean condemned the use of anti-Semitic imagery and expressed sadness over the disruption of the dinner meant to celebrate graduating students.
A viral video shows a confrontation between a UC Berkeley law student and the dean and a professor at their home, sparking accusations of violating the student's constitutional rights. The incident follows months of disputes between pro-Palestinian and Jewish students, with the student group initially boycotting a celebratory dinner hosted by the dean and professor. The dean proceeded with the dinner despite posters protesting his "Zionist" ties, leading to a heated exchange during the event. The dean and his wife asked the student to leave, leading to a physical altercation captured on video. Legal experts have weighed in, with the dean asserting that his home is not a forum for free speech, while the student plans to take legal action against the school.
Hundreds of high school students across Alaska participated in a statewide walkout to protest the failure to override Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of an education bill that would have increased funding for schools. Organized by the Alaska Association of Student Government Executive Board, the protests took place in various cities, with students expressing concerns about the impact of flat funding on class sizes, arts, and sports programs. The students aimed to send a message to lawmakers that they care about their education and want to see a change, emphasizing the need for increased funding to maintain educational quality.
Students across Alaska walked out of schools to protest Governor Mike Dunleavy's veto of an education funding package, which the Legislature failed to override. The vetoed package included a $175-million increase in aid to districts through a school funding formula, but the governor complained about the lack of provisions he supported. The students marched through the statehouse, chanting slogans and urging lawmakers to fund their future, while some legislators expressed concerns about the governor's opposition and encouraged the students to stay involved in the legislative process.
Several Vanderbilt students and a Nashville Scene reporter were arrested during a sit-in at Vanderbilt University, where students were demanding the reinstatement of a referendum to divest student government funds from a genocide ongoing in Gaza. The sit-in resulted in the arrest of four students, with charges including assault and vandalism. The Nashville Scene reporter was also arrested but later released without charges. The incident has sparked controversy over free speech and the treatment of protesters and journalists on campus.
After a 22.5-hour sit-in at Vanderbilt University's Kirkland Hall, 27 students protesting the VSG BDS amendment were forcibly removed, with three arrested and 16 suspended. The arrested students face misdemeanor charges, and the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition is seeking support for their bail fund. Confusion surrounds the arrests, as protestors claim they were only peacefully demonstrating. The sit-in followed a demand for the administration to allow a student vote on the VSG Constitution amendment.
Students at Owasso High School in Oklahoma walked out to protest the school's bullying policies following the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, who faced bullying due to his gender identity and died after a fight at the school. The students believe that the school's policies are ineffective in addressing bullying and creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. The walkout was not political but aimed at raising awareness about the pervasive culture of bullying at the school. The school claims to take reports of bullying seriously and has procedures in place to address such behavior, but students feel that their reports are often not believed or result in no meaningful change.
Students at an Oklahoma high school walked out in protest after the death of a 16-year-old nonbinary student who was beaten in a restroom and later died. The student, Nex Benedict, had been the target of bullying and harassment at the school. LGBTQ+ advocates and students are demanding action against discrimination and bullying of transgender and gender nonconforming students. The cause of Benedict's death has not been released, but police are investigating and will determine if any criminal charges will be filed. Vigils have been held across Oklahoma and the nation in honor of Benedict.
Indiana State Rep. Jim Lucas, a Republican, flashed his concealed firearm to a group of students protesting for gun control at the state Capitol, defending gun rights and arguing that Americans are not "truly free" unless they are equipped to defend themselves. The incident was recorded by one of the students, leading to criticism and fear among the group. Lucas had previously made headlines for a DUI arrest in 2023, for which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and received supervised probation.
Chicago Public Schools students from various high schools walked out in support of a Gaza cease-fire resolution to be debated by the City Council, with the mayor expressing support for the student walkout. The students aimed to advocate for peace and humanity, despite facing online attacks and retribution. While some students reported receiving negative feedback, most felt safe and expected peaceful interactions among classmates. The walkouts also aimed to educate others about the ongoing conflict and the occupation of Palestinian territories.
