10 News You Should Know About U.S. Higher Education, Research, and K-12 Trends (April 2025 Edition)

1. Judges Block Trump Administration’s DEI Restrictions on Public Schools

Source: PBS NewsHour – Judge blocks Trump push to cut public school funding over diversity programs

Federal judges, including U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty, blocked the Trump administration's move to threaten federal funding cuts for schools running Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. McCafferty cited unconstitutional vagueness and viewpoint discrimination, particularly where professors might be penalized for acknowledging structural racism. Another judge, Stephanie Gallagher, delayed enforcement of related Department of Education policies, signaling broader resistance to federal overreach in education. States were required to submit compliance certifications by April 25, risking Title I funding cuts if they refused.

2. $2.8 Billion College Sports Settlement Delayed Over Roster Limit Dispute

Source: NPR – NCAA athlete payments lawsuit: Scholarship roster limits delay settlement

A federal judge, Claudia Wilken, has halted final approval of a $2.8 billion NCAA settlement concerning college athlete payments. The judge ordered renegotiations due to concerns that new scholarship roster limits could unfairly displace student-athletes. The delay leaves universities, athletes, and athletic departments uncertain about the future of college sports compensation structures.

3. SEVIS Data Error Clouds U.S. International Student Trends

Source: The PIE News – Government data error sparks doubt over US international enrolments

A significant technical error in the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) has misrepresented international student enrollment trends since August 2024. Despite rising concerns over declining enrollments, the Department of Homeland Security has not yet corrected or clarified the data, creating confusion among institutions and policy analysts.

4. NASA Ends Columbia Lease for Climate Science Hub

Source: Bloomberg – NASA cancels Columbia University lease for climate science unit

NASA has canceled its lease with Columbia University for its major climate science research unit. Although research activities will continue virtually, the decision removes an important physical research collaboration from the Ivy League setting, raising concerns about future university-federal research partnerships.

5. Another Judicial Block on Anti-DEI Efforts in Schools

Source: CNN – Education DEI policy blocked by federal judges

Three federal judges, including two Trump appointees, ruled against restrictive Department of Education DEI guidelines, citing violations of the First Amendment and concerns about unconstitutional vagueness. The rulings further cement resistance to sweeping efforts to limit diversity initiatives at schools and universities.

6. Harvard Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Foreign Donations and International Students

Source: The New York Times – Trump Administration Demands Harvard's Foreign Donation Records

The Trump administration is escalating investigations into Harvard University, requesting comprehensive data on foreign donations and detailed records about international students. The move raises alarms over privacy, institutional autonomy, and political interference in U.S. higher education governance.

7. U.S. Research Funding Cuts Threaten Global SDG Collaborations

Source: Times Higher Education – Are US international funding cuts another nail in SDGs' coffin?

The article spotlights how potential U.S. research funding cuts could devastate international projects, especially in South Africa where many institutions rely heavily on grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and USAID. The loss of funding threatens research, academic jobs, and postgraduate training globally.

8. Asian Universities Recruit U.S. Academic Talent Amid Budget Cuts

Source: Times Higher Education – Act fast to attract US superstars, Asian universities told

Leading universities in Asia are actively recruiting U.S.-based academics disillusioned by political interference and funding cuts. Offering attractive packages and research freedom, these institutions hope to boost their global prestige and research output.

9. Rising Student Loan Defaults Lower Average U.S. Credit Scores

Source: Money.com – Student loan delinquencies hurt average credit score

Following the end of the pandemic-era repayment pause, millions of borrowers are falling behind on federal student loan payments, dragging down the national average credit score. The trend illustrates the heavy financial burden higher education places on students and families.

10. Pittsburgh Students and Faculty Rally for Free Speech and Academic Freedom

Source: The Pitt News – Faculty, staff, and students rally for free speech protection

At the University of Pittsburgh, faculty, staff, and students rallied to defend academic freedom and resist political interference. The event underscored the nationwide concern that free inquiry and institutional independence are under threat from federal policies and funding pressures.