A new survey by the American Association of Professors reveals that a significant number of professors in Southern states like Texas and Florida are contemplating leaving their positions due to the current political climate’s impact on education. Roughly a quarter of respondents have applied for higher education jobs in other states since 2023. Professors cite the “broad political climate” as the primary motivator, surpassing salary as the top concern. The recent legislation, like Texas’s SB17 banning DEI initiatives, has led to resource cancellations and staff changes, prompting professors to seek alternative employment.
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A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court by West Point law professor Tim Bakken alleges the U.S. Military Academy is violating the First Amendment by restricting professors’ opinions in the classroom and censoring certain books and courses. The suit, seeking class-action status for West Point’s civilian faculty, claims the academy began scrutinizing faculty speech following a January executive order. According to the lawsuit, West Point has implemented policies that control and suppress faculty speech by requiring approval for public comments, removing content from webpages, and preventing instructors from expressing opinions in the classroom.
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The erosion of democratic norms in the United States, evidenced by instances such as the extrajudicial imprisonment of legal residents and the suppression of dissent, has prompted three Yale professors—experts in authoritarianism—to relocate to the University of Toronto. Their departure represents a protest against the administration’s attacks on civil liberties and a recognition of the severity of the democratic backsliding. The professors highlight the vulnerability of American democracy and warn against complacency in the face of escalating threats. This exodus serves as a stark warning of the fragility of democratic institutions and the potential for further regression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker