RFK Jr. Proposes HHS Cuts Targeting Minority Health Offices
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed eliminating multiple offices within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that focus on minority health, citing redundancy and cost-saving. The plan would dismantle entities like the Office of Minority Health and similar initiatives across the CDC and NIH. Critics warn the move could undermine efforts to address persistent racial and ethnic health disparities.
House GOP Proposes $330 Billion in Higher Education Cuts
House Republicans have introduced a sweeping proposal to reduce federal spending on higher education by $330 billion. The plan includes eliminating subsidized loans for undergraduates starting July 1, 2026, capping borrowing limits, and discontinuing the Graduate PLUS loan program. Additionally, it proposes consolidating repayment plans and reducing Pell Grant eligibility for part-time students. Critics argue these changes could limit college access for low-income students.
NIH Restricts Funding for Institutions with DEI Programs
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it will no longer award new grants to institutions whose diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs violate federal anti-discrimination laws. Recipients must certify compliance with these laws to remain eligible for funding.
Federal Agency Surveys Professors on Jewish and Israeli Identity
Professors at Barnard College received text messages from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) linking to a voluntary survey inquiring about their Jewish or Israeli identity and experiences with antisemitism. The survey is part of a federal investigation into potential discrimination at the institution.
St. Andrews University Announces Abrupt Closure
St. Andrews University in North Carolina has announced it will cease operations on May 5, 2025, due to insurmountable financial challenges. The private institution, a branch of Webber International University, cited ongoing financial difficulties as the reason for the sudden shutdown.
University of Pennsylvania Found in Violation of Title IX
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights claims that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX by allowing transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to compete on the women’s team. The department is demanding corrective actions, including revoking Thomas’s records and issuing apologies to affected female athletes.
Gen Z Questions Value of College Degrees Amid AI Advancements
A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Gen Z job seekers believe their college degrees are a waste of time and money, as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the job market. The trend reflects growing skepticism about the return on investment of traditional higher education.
Harvard Pushes Back Against Trump Administration, Sees Surge in Donations
Harvard University has refused to comply with the Trump administration’s demands to limit campus activism, resulting in a freeze of over $2.2 billion in federal grants. In response, the university has experienced a significant increase in alumni donations, receiving 88 contributions per hour following the announcement.
Federal Judges Block Education Department’s Anti-DEI Guidance
Federal judges have temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing directives aimed at limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 schools. The rulings cite potential legal and constitutional violations, including overreach of statutory authority.
Supreme Court Maintains Freeze on Teacher Training Grants
The Supreme Court has upheld a freeze on $600 million in federal grants for teacher training programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The decision allows the Trump administration to withhold funding from programs it deems “divisive.”