Conflict in the Middle East and souring U.S.-China relations has stirred federal lawmakers and agencies to draw an antagonistic eye toward higher education and the nature of U.S. research.
On the first day of the spring semester, Claudine Gay is stepping down as president of Harvard University following sustained backlash tripped by her Congressional hearing on student safety and antisemitism.
A survey conducted last week by U.S. News & World Report and The Harris Poll found 58% of Americans believe that university leaders are failing students today.
"There is no diversity and inclusion of intellectual thought, and the result of that is antisemitism," said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.). "College campuses have descended from coveted centers of intellectual freedom to illiberal sewers of tolerance and bigotry."
The Department of Education has opened investigations at six colleges and universities for alleged Title VI shared ancestry violations since the outbreak of the war in Palestine and Israel.
Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have increased 388% since Oct. 7, compared to the same time last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Much of this activity has occurred at some of the nation's most well-regarded institutions.
