Free Speech

Lawmakers in Topeka, like those in some other state capitals, used a budget bill to order nonfinancial changes to public higher ed. DEI was the target this time.

Columbia University has reached a $221 million settlement with the federal government over claims of antisemitism that is expected to restore millions in federal research funding.

The move comes during reports that the institution is nearing a deal with the Trump administration to restore hundreds of millions in federal funding.

Federal agencies are increasing pressure on the university, which still hasn’t acceded to the government’s sweeping demands. The institution says it’s facing retaliation.

This year’s Heterodox Academy conference—the first since Republicans retook the White House—featured similar complaints about academe as in years past. But the federal government’s sweeping interventions raised questions about what’s really warranted.

Students and free speech advocates argue that the bill is too vague and goes too far in its efforts to “prevent unnecessary disruption and to ensure campus safety.”