In 2025, job applications from US academics to Hong Kong saw a significant surge, increasing by 55%, coinciding with a period of political tension. This rise occurred as the Trump administration targeted US universities, reducing federal research funding and revoking foreign student visas. Other English and Chinese-language markets also saw increases, with the UK, Australia, and Ireland experiencing notable growth in applications as well. Hong Kong universities welcomed affected international students, offering expedited enrollment processes, a response that further contributed to the influx.
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Iran shuts off the internet as protesters start fires in widening unrest, a move that immediately feels like a desperate play by a regime on the ropes. The complete shutdown of the internet, alongside phone lines, is a clear indication that the government is attempting to control the flow of information and isolate the protesters. It’s a tactic we’ve seen before, a classic move pulled by dictatorships clinging to power. It’s a chilling reminder of how regimes react when they feel threatened, with the silencing of voices being a standard operating procedure.
The immediate consequence of this internet blackout is, ironically, to fuel the fire.… Continue reading
The immediate subject is the shocking news that Texas A&M University has instructed a professor not to teach Plato due to the institution’s concerns about gender-related rules. This situation, as documented by Dr. Peterson, is, to put it mildly, an eyebrow-raiser. The response from the university appears to be a form of censorship, dictating the curriculum and limiting academic freedom. The irony, as many people have pointed out, is thick enough to cut with a knife: Plato, a figure foundational to Western thought and often seen as a purist and conservative himself, is now deemed too “woke” for a university.
The professor, in an effort to comply with the new restrictions, had to replace the original module on Plato with lectures on free speech and academic freedom.… Continue reading
Austin Peay State University will pay former professor Darren Michael $500,000 after initially terminating him for a social media post made in response to the death of Charlie Kirk. Michael, an associate professor, was previously suspended and then reinstated after the university acknowledged they did not follow proper termination procedures. The settlement agreement also includes reimbursement for Michael’s therapeutic counseling services and a statement from APSU acknowledging regret for the procedural error. The incident gained attention after Senator Marsha Blackburn shared Michael’s post on social media, prompting scrutiny of the university’s actions.
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Iranian protests expand beyond the economy as students demand freedom, end to regime rule, and it’s clear the situation is reaching a critical point. The demonstrations, fueled by economic hardship, have evolved into a wider cry for fundamental change, with students at the forefront demanding not just economic relief but also freedom and an end to the current regime’s rule. The intensity of this uprising and the breadth of its demands signal a significant shift, setting it apart from previous instances of unrest.
This surge of dissent highlights the deep-seated frustration within Iranian society. Many people express a desire to see the existing government overthrown.… Continue reading
Despite a faculty appeals panel’s finding of unjustified dismissal, Texas A&M University will not reinstate Melissa McCoul, a lecturer fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity went viral. The university system’s vice chancellor for academic affairs supported the termination, citing “good cause,” though the reasoning was not explained. McCoul’s lawyer plans to pursue First Amendment and breach of contract claims. McCoul was fired after a student recorded a classroom exchange and met with then-university president Mark Welsh III, who initially refused to fire McCoul. After the firing, the university system implemented new policies restricting how race, gender, and sexuality are taught.
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The University of Oklahoma removed an instructor after a student alleged religious discrimination due to a failing grade on a psychology paper. The university’s investigation determined the instructor acted arbitrarily in grading the student’s work. The instructor, however, denies any wrongdoing and is considering legal options. The case became a point of contention in the debate over academic freedom, particularly with conservative groups and officials involved. The university has stated its commitment to academic freedom and the student’s right to an education free from biased evaluation while also removing the assignment from grade calculations.
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The University of Oklahoma has removed a teaching assistant from their instructional duties following a controversy over a failing grade given to a student. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, received an F on an essay about gender norms, which she claimed was due to religious discrimination. An investigation revealed that the teaching assistant was arbitrary in their grading standards, leading to the decision. Fulnecky’s grade appeal was resolved in her favor, while the university stated they do not release findings from discrimination investigations.
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Following a student’s submission of a paper labeling transgender people as “demonic” and gender roles as “Biblically ordained,” the University of Oklahoma placed a trans graduate instructor on administrative leave. The instructor, who graded the paper with a zero for failing to meet academic criteria, received backlash from the student and right-wing media outlets. The university, after receiving a religious discrimination complaint, initiated a review process, supported by a statement from Governor Kevin Stitt. This has escalated the situation into a statewide debate concerning LGBTQ+ inclusion and the boundaries of academic freedom.
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A US District Court issued a preliminary injunction preventing the government from withholding federal funding from UCLA and other University of California schools. The ruling stemmed from a suit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to force UCLA into policy revisions using accusations of antisemitism as justification for funding cuts. The court found this approach violated legal procedures and First Amendment rights. The decision provides relief for the UC system and establishes a precedent for other universities to resist similar government actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood