College Matters from The Chronicle

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to deport student protesters. In recent weeks, the president has delivered on that pledge. The Trump administration has revoked hundreds of international students' visas across the country, spreading fear on college campuses and inviting constitutional challenges from lawyers and activists. Eric Lee, an immigration lawyer, says the administration’s actions are unconstitutional. One of his clients, Momodou Taal, a Cornell University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, recently decided to leave the United States rather than face detention and deportation. What’s happening, Lee says, is a threat to the free speech rights of citizens and noncitizens alike. Related Reading:Tracking Trump’s Actions on Student Visas Pro-Palestinian Activists Shut Down a Job Fair. One Student’s Punishment Could Get Him Deported. Trump has Revoked Student Visas at Dozens of Colleges. Here’s What That Means.Guest:Eric Lee, immigration lawyerFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

Jacob Howland, the provost at the University of Austin, focuses on a curriculum steeped in Western civilization, while Pauline Strong, an anthropology professor at UT Austin, advocates for Indigenous studies. They discuss the rise of conservative-backed institutes promoting Western civics at universities and debate the implications for traditional education norms. The conversation navigates the complexities of identity in curricula and emphasizes the importance of fostering respectful discourse in academia amidst changing political landscapes.

Join Nell Gluckman, a senior reporter exploring campus parking conflicts, as she dissects the heated debate from Tarleton State University. Adrienne Tucker, Kansas State’s parking director, sheds light on reimagining parking services and combating negative stereotypes. Meanwhile, Henry Grabar, author of 'Paved Paradise', unveils how parking shapes urban life and the cultural implications of parking disputes. Together, they navigate the emotional highs and lows of securing a spot on campus and challenge common misconceptions about parking policies.

Lee Gardner, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the escalating feud between faculty and administrators in colleges. He discusses the turbulence caused by no-confidence votes and high turnover in leadership, stressing the impact on academic integrity. The conversation delves into decision-making issues amplified by the pandemic, particularly around acquisitions and financial crises. Gardner emphasizes the need for collaboration and trust-building to address the evolving challenges in higher education amidst shifting faculty dynamics.

If you follow higher education like we do, you know that the sector is ripe for controversy. From misused money, to smoking-gun emails, to the occasional sex scandal, colleges and universities routinely make news for all the wrong reasons. But what makes for a delicious higher-ed controversy? And what can be learned from the embarrassing failures of otherwise respectable institutions? To dig into those questions, Chronicle staffers gathered recently for a first-of-its-kind higher-education controversy draft. Who built the best roster? That’s for you to decide.Related Reading:  Uproar at Mount St. Mary’s (Chronicle)  Is That Our Chancellor in the Porno (College Matters podcast)  Discredited: The UNC Scandal and College Athletics’ Amatuer Ideal (Andy Thomason)  Auburn President’s Permanent No Comment (Inside Higher Ed)  Guests: Sarah Brown, senior editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education  Andy Thomason, assistant managing editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education  For more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

In this engaging discussion, Emma Pettit, a senior reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education, delves into Florida's sweeping educational reforms targeting identity politics in public universities. She highlights the tension between legislative mandates and academic freedom, sparking debates on curriculum censorship. Parents and administrators express anxieties amid ambiguity surrounding new laws. The podcast explores the implications of reducing general education offerings, raising critical questions about the balance between traditional values and the push for inclusivity in higher education.

Katherine Mangan, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, discusses the striking 19% decline in white student enrollment since 2018. She highlights overlooked aspects of this trend within the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Mangan explores changing perceptions of education's value, particularly among affluent white students who are opting for trade skills over college. She also shares insights into the experiences of conservative students feeling unwelcome in the college environment, leading to alternative educational choices.

John Holden, an Associate Professor at Indiana University's Kelly School of Business, dives into the booming world of sports betting and its implications for college athletics. He discusses the shift in legal landscapes post-2018 Supreme Court ruling and rising risks for student-athletes. Holden also highlights the dangers of individualized betting, targeting college athletes' performances, and the ethical dilemmas universities face in partnering with gambling firms. With March Madness approaching, he stresses the urgent need for education on gambling regulations and addiction.

Beckie Supiano, a Senior Writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the contentious issue of grade inflation in academia. She discusses the growing number of straight-A students and the societal panic over grade standards. Supiano explores the pressures placed on professors and the changing dynamics in student demographics. She questions the true meaning of grades and their role as indicators of learning. The conversation also touches on the impact of grades on student anxiety, college admissions, and the future of merit-based education.

Lisa Heffernan, co-founder of Grown and Flown and co-author of the book 'Grown and Flown,' dives into the nuanced world of helicopter parenting. She discusses GPS tracking and 'concierge moms,' revealing how financial pressure influences parental involvement. Heffernan highlights the balance between support and overreach, exploring how technology shapes parent-child dynamics. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of fostering independence through financial literacy and active listening, offering insights for parents navigating this challenging terrain.