March 17, 2026

Private colleges in the U.S. are increasingly imposing stricter policies on student speech, creating a stark contrast with public institutions bound by First Amendment protections. This trend highlights growing concerns over academic freedom in higher education. The article explores how these restrictions are evolving amid broader debates on campus expression. Key Points Private colleges are […]

An Iowa Senate panel has blocked a bill that would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at private colleges. The legislation aimed to limit certain DEI practices but failed to advance. Meanwhile, the state Legislature continues to consider other bills that could significantly alter public universities in Iowa. Key Points Senate panel rejects anti-DEI

A district court judge in Arkansas has blocked a law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms for six school districts. The ruling states that the law’s primary purpose is to proselytize to children, violating constitutional principles. This decision halts the implementation of the mandate in the affected districts pending further legal proceedings.

South Carolina health officials have reported 997 confirmed measles cases as of Tuesday. The outbreak is expected to persist for weeks due to lagging vaccination rates in the state. Authorities are urging increased vaccinations to curb the spread. Key Points 997 measles cases reported in South Carolina Outbreak may continue for weeks Vaccination rates are

A U.S. district court has issued an injunction blocking the enforcement of an Arkansas law that required public schools to display posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit arguing the mandate violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The law, signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders,

The article discusses how late paychecks are severely impacting academics, particularly those in vulnerable financial positions. It highlights the challenges faced by professors who rely on timely payments for their livelihood. Written by Adrienne Lu, it emphasizes the punitive effects on those least able to afford delays. Key Points Late paychecks disproportionately affect financially vulnerable

Voters in Newark, New Jersey, will decide between newcomers and established city leaders in the April 2026 school board election for four seats. Nine candidates participated in a debate hosted by the NAACP Newark branch on March 12, 2026, at Bethany Baptist Church. The election highlights a contest that could shape local education policies. Key

A federal judge in Massachusetts has halted enforcement of several vaccine policies introduced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The ruling states that the Trump administration illegally restructured a CDC committee responsible for immunization recommendations. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the American Academy, potentially affecting national vaccine guidelines. Key Points Federal

The House education committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill requiring states that receive federal literacy grants to adhere to the science of reading approach. This legislation reflects shared goals between Republicans and Democrats to enhance reading outcomes for students. A Democratic member noted that this method aligns with how reading was taught in the 1960s.

Chalkbeat is conducting a survey to gather experiences from New York City educators on using AI in classrooms ahead of the city’s official AI guidance release. The survey asks about what’s working well, concerns, and hopes for AI integration. This initiative aims to inform the upcoming NYC school AI playbook. Key Points Survey targets NYC