The Des Moines School Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts following his arrest by ICE over immigration issues, amid community protests and questions about his immigration status and credentials.
Hundreds of Indonesian students protested in major cities, defying security measures and following deadly riots that resulted in eight deaths, demanding reforms and criticizing government spending priorities, with President Prabowo promising security but also making concessions like cutting lawmakers' perks.
Columbia University has agreed to pay a $200 million fine to settle a federal investigation into alleged violations of anti-discrimination laws, which will result in the restoration of its federal funding. The settlement addresses issues related to antisemitism and campus protests, and includes commitments to eliminate race-based preferences and DEI programs, while the university denies wrongdoing.
A senior ICE official testified that most names of student protesters investigated earlier this year were sourced from the pro-Israel website Canary Mission, which aims to blacklist pro-Palestinian individuals, as part of a broader effort related to the Trump administration's ideological deportation policy, currently under judicial review in Boston.
Universities have intensified their scrutiny and regulation of pro-Palestinian activism on campuses, often citing concerns over safety and hate speech. This has led to debates over free speech rights and the extent to which institutions should intervene in student-led political activities. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately target pro-Palestinian groups, stifling their ability to express dissenting views.
At least two people died and thousands were injured in Bangladesh as police and paramilitary forces cracked down on student protests against the reintroduction of government job quotas favoring descendants of war veterans. The protests, which began over perceived unfairness in the job market, escalated into violent clashes, with students accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of authoritarianism. Despite a temporary pause on the quota ruling by the supreme court, students vow to continue their demonstrations until the quotas are permanently abolished.
Bangladesh has deployed a paramilitary force to quell violent student protests over government job quotas, which have resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. The protests, originating from the University of Dhaka, have spread nationwide, leading to school closures and partial social media blackouts.
The University of the Arts in Philadelphia announced an abrupt closure, leaving students, parents, and faculty shocked and angry. The decision, attributed to sudden financial difficulties, has led to protests and legal action from employees. Nearby institutions like Temple University are offering spots to displaced students, while the Pennsylvania attorney general's office reviews the closure's circumstances. The university's enrollment had been declining for years, exacerbated by pandemic challenges.
University of the Arts President Kerry Walk has resigned following the announcement that the nearly 150-year-old institution in Philadelphia will close on June 7 due to declining revenue and enrollment. The news has sparked protests from students and criticism from union officials representing school employees. The university has confirmed refunds for the summer and fall semesters.
Police in riot gear arrested around 80 pro-Palestinian protesters at UC Santa Cruz who had set up an encampment and blocked the main campus entrance. The protesters, many of whom were students, clashed with law enforcement, resulting in accusations of police brutality. The university cited safety concerns and disruption of campus operations as reasons for the intervention. The standoff continues as students demand the university cut ties with organizations supporting Israel and condemn certain federal funding.
Police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment at Wayne State University, arresting at least 12 people, while over 100 MIT graduates walked out of their commencement ceremony in protest against the university's ties with the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The protests are part of a broader movement on campuses across the U.S. and Europe demanding universities cut ties with Israel and companies supporting its actions in Gaza.
Harvard University announced it will no longer take official positions on policy issues that do not directly affect its core functions, following student protests over the Gaza conflict. This decision, based on recommendations from a faculty working group, has sparked debate among academics and students. Some criticize the move as a facade of neutrality given Harvard's financial ties, while others see it as a necessary step to protect free speech. The policy shift aligns Harvard with other universities like Columbia and the University of Chicago, which have also adopted institutional neutrality.
A Harvard student speaker criticized the university during commencement for barring 13 students from graduating due to their involvement in pro-Palestine protests. Over 1,000 students walked out in support, waving Palestinian flags. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and debates over freedom of speech and civil disobedience on campuses.
During a House hearing, Republicans demanded disciplinary actions against student protesters involved in pro-Palestinian encampments on university campuses, questioning leaders from Northwestern, UCLA, and Rutgers. The university officials emphasized due process and appropriate penalties while acknowledging some missteps and promising to combat antisemitism. The hearing highlighted a culture clash, with Republicans seeking definitive answers and accountability.
Hundreds of Harvard graduates walked out of their commencement ceremony chanting "Free, free Palestine" in protest of the university's decision to withhold diplomas from 13 students involved in a pro-Palestinian encampment. The protest highlighted issues of freedom of speech and civil disobedience, with student and commencement speakers criticizing the university's actions. The controversy comes amid broader campus protests and debates over university responses to pro-Palestinian activism.