Headlines in Higher Ed: Week of September 22nd, 2025
Berkeley gives up names, Texas A&M prez resigns, and top cities for college grads
Berkeley’s Legacy of Activism in Question After Sharing Names to Feds
UC Berkeley, long known for its role as a bastion of free speech and activism, is now grappling with a controversial decision that has rocked its campus. Earlier this month, the university complied with the Trump administration’s investigation into alleged antisemitic incidents by disclosing the names of 160 faculty, staff, and students, a move critics say undermines the school’s legacy. Berkeley, historically the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, is now accused of betraying those very values by cooperating with an administration that has targeted pro-Palestinian activism and academic freedom. Faculty, including famed professor Judith Butler, who was among those named, have described the action as a “breach of trust.”
Judith Butler, Professor at UC Berkeley
The situation has stirred up more than just academic frustration. Professor Peyrin Kao, a Berkeley lecturer who is currently on hunger strike to protest the war in Gaza, also found his name included in the documents sent to federal authorities. Kao, along with other faculty, is now questioning whether Berkeley’s commitment to activism has been compromised by political pressure. For a university with a deep-rooted history of challenging government policies - from opposing segregation in the 1960s to protesting the Vietnam War - this decision to comply with Trump’s demands is a momentous shift. The institution now finds itself at a crossroads, caught between its historic legacy and the reality of a politically charged landscape.
Rapid Recap
🙋♂️ Texas A&M President Resigns Mark Welsh resigned under pressure from state lawmakers after firing a professor whose arguments on gender identity were secretly recorded and posted online.
💰 Trump Proposes $1.2B UCLA Settlement The exchange, alongside demands for changes to admissions, hiring, and anti-discrimination policies, would release research grants that have been stalled over alleged antisemitism practices.
🔎 Ed Dept Tightens Grip on Harvard's Finances The U.S. Department of Education has placed Harvard University under “heightened cash monitoring” despite its strong financial position, a move experts view as politically motivated, since the designation is typically reserved for schools in financial distress.
📚💼 Newly Announced AP Courses are Career-Focused In a groundbreaking partnership, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board are launching new AP Career Kickstart courses aimed at closing the gap between high school education and workforce readiness. Go on…
Newly Announced AP Courses are Career-Focused
Starting next fall, students will have the chance to take AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity, two college-level courses designed to teach real-world business and tech skills. These courses will help students gain industry-recognized credentials while earning college credit. According to a recent study, hiring managers believe today's high school graduates are less prepared for the workforce than previous generations, highlighting the urgent need for more career-focused learning. With business giants like Oracle, IBM, and U.S. Bank shaping the curriculum, these new courses promise to equip students with the skills employers are actively seeking.
The Best Places to Start Your Career After College
A recent report by ADP has revealed the top cities in the U.S. for graduates to find great job opportunities. Leading the list is Raleigh, NC, with a strong market, high wages, and a relatively low cost of living. Known for its booming tech and healthcare sectors, Raleigh offers a great balance of career growth and affordability. Other top cities include Milwaukee, WI, which shines in manufacturing and energy, and Austin, TX, with its thriving tech scene and vibrant cultural life. These cities are not only hiring but also offer solid wages adjusted for cost of living. On the flip side, places like Virginia Beach, Salt Lake City, and Riverside have been rated as the toughest metros for recent grads due to low hiring and affordability challenges. If you’re considering relocating for work, think about schools near cities that embody your values; networking, getting a nearby internship, and having name recognition of the town’s university will make it easier to land a job once you graduate. Check out the list and additional analysis insights here.
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