Ilya Marritz and Hilary Burns, reporters at The Boston Globe, delve into the complex landscape of culture wars in higher education. They discuss 'The Harvard Plan,' exploring the unique pressures on elite campuses. The transformation of academic environments, the rise of political correctness, and challenges such as anti-Semitism are highlighted. Personal accounts of student activism reveal how identity politics shape experiences. They also tackle the impacts of recent affirmative action rulings on diversity, shedding light on the difficult balance institutions must strike in today's polarized society.

Former President Donald Trump has been invited to testify before a New York City grand jury — a move that is widely understood to mean Trump could soon face criminal charges related to his financial dealings and the payment of hush money to Stephanie Clifford, the adult film star also known as Stormy Daniels. His former attorney Michael Cohen previously was convicted in connection with the payment in federal court, when prosecutors alleged the payments were made at Trump's direction.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, reporter Ilya Marritz, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It is edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Giveaway: npr.org/politicsplusgiveaway Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy