10 News a Day: May 2025 U.S. Education Policies, International Students, and Ivy League Universities

Harvard Discovers Original 1300 Magna Carta in Its Archives

Source: PBS NewsHour | Link: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/harvard-thought-its-faded-magna-carta-was-a-cheap-copy-its-actually-more-than-700-years-old

Harvard Law School Library discovered that a previously overlooked document in its collection is a rare, original version of the 1300 Magna Carta. Purchased decades ago for a minimal sum, the document is now recognized as a key artifact in global legal history. This discovery emphasizes the hidden academic and historical value within elite university archives and the relevance of foundational legal texts in shaping modern principles of individual liberty.

Australia Considers Stricter Student Visa Conditions

Source: The PIE News | Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GEkikkYYtPkKdnuQAPwn74r3Bc8cviwiwXTOeZCtnWA/edit?gid=432054773#gid=432054773

A new proposal in Australia could require international students to reapply for visas if they change institutions, in an effort to prevent visa abuse and reinforce education integrity. The move signals a broader international trend of tightening student visa policies and underscores the need for students to thoroughly research their initial program choices.

Consulting Firm Emphasizes Ethical Guidance in International Education

Source: The PIE News | Link: https://thepienews.com/the-changing-landscape-of-international-education-and-landmark-immigrations-role-in-shaping-student-success-2/

With international education becoming more accessible, a featured education consulting firm highlights the importance of mentorship and ethical guidance. The firm offers holistic services—from application assistance to cultural adaptation—emphasizing that expert advising is becoming a key success factor in today’s global education landscape.

Harvard Medical Researcher Detained Over Frog Embryos

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/05/16/harvard-medical-researcher-detained-ice-faces-charge

A Russian researcher at Harvard Medical School faces charges for allegedly attempting to bring unauthorized frog embryos into the U.S. The incident reflects the importance of compliance with biosecurity laws for international scholars and raises awareness about legal vulnerabilities tied to academic research activities.

Georgetown Professor Released After Detention

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/05/16/detained-georgetown-professor-released-ice-custody

An Indian national and postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University has been released from ICE custody after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence for the claims against him. The case highlights the complex and sometimes precarious legal landscape faced by international academics in the U.S.

UNC Adjusts DEI Curriculum Policy Amid Accreditation Constraints

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/shared-governance/2025/05/16/waivers-let-some-nc-majors-keep-dei-requirements

The UNC system has eliminated its DEI course requirement, but some majors such as nursing and social work will retain them due to accreditation mandates. The case illustrates how external standards shape curriculum decisions even amid shifting state-level policies.

NYU Holds Diploma Over Controversial Graduation Speech

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/05/16/nyu-withholds-diploma-due-pro-palestinian-grad-speech

NYU has withheld a student’s diploma after they deviated from an approved speech to comment on Palestine. The move draws attention to ongoing tensions between campus free speech and university policy enforcement, particularly at high-profile events.

U.S. Universities Consider Global Campuses Amid Domestic Uncertainty

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/global/us-colleges-world/2025/05/16/us-universities-eye-branch-campuses-way-survive-trump

Amid political and financial uncertainty, U.S. universities are exploring international branch campuses in countries like India and Qatar as a strategy for stability and global presence. This development may offer new opportunities for students abroad seeking U.S. degrees without relocating to America.

USC Introduces Media Literacy Course for Engineering Students

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/college-experience/2025/05/16/misinformation-course-teaches-ethics-engineering

The University of Southern California has launched a course to train engineering students in identifying misinformation online. The class covers technical skills and ethical issues, signaling a growing focus on media literacy in U.S. higher education curricula.

U.S. Universities Address Cheating in the Age of AI

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Link: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2025/05/16/experts-weigh-everyone-cheating-college

With generative AI tools becoming widespread, U.S. universities are re-evaluating academic integrity policies. Institutions are revising assignments, enhancing faculty training, and debating new definitions of cheating to adapt to the AI-driven educational environment.