New Voting Hurdles for Ohio College Students: State Law Changes ID Requirements, Impacting Out-of-State Voter Participation

Columbus, Ohio — Voting in Ohio for out-of-state students is becoming increasingly challenging due to newly implemented ID requirements under a law introduced in 2023. Previously, attending the polls required minimal effort from these students, who could use various documents as proof of residency. Now, the acceptable forms are restricted to Ohio state IDs, driver’s licenses, passports, and military-related IDs. Under the umbrella of Republican-sponsored HB 458, these changes mark a significant pivot from former leniencies that assisted student participation in elections, which included frequent shuttle services provided by campuses to usher students to polling … Read more

Benedict College Student Awarded $692,000 After Landlord Illegally Disposes of Possessions

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a legal battle that underscored the rights of tenants, a jury awarded $692,000 to a Benedict College student after his landlord threw out his belongings. The landmark decision arrived this week after extensive testimonies and deliberations, spotlighting a distressing clash between tenant rights and property management. Andrew Smith, a senior at the historically Black college, returned from summer break to find his apartment cleared out: clothes, textbooks, and personal keepsakes discarded by his landlord, who claimed Smith had abandoned the property. Smith argued that he was merely away for the summer … Read more

Hartwick College Announces Major Tuition Cut for 2025-26 to Enhance Transparency and Affordability

Oneonta, NY – Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Hartwick College announced a significant reduction in its listed tuition and fees, aimed at bringing greater transparency and affordability to the college admissions process. This private nonprofit institution in New York, previously projected to set tuition and fees at $59,359, will implement a bold strategy to make higher education more accessible. The decision mirrors a growing trend among colleges to simplify the often opaque pricing structures that can deter prospective students. By lowering the cost, Hartwick College intends to reduce the financial uncertainty that families face … Read more

Judge Slashes $20.5M Settlement in State College Workplace Racial Harassment Case

State College, PA — A significant legal adjustment was made Thursday when a federal judge decided to reduce a $20.5 million jury award involving a racial harassment case at a State College workplace. The case, which has garnered notable attention, centered around a Black woman who alleged she faced severe racial discrimination and harassment by her coworkers. The lawsuit was brought forward by Oghenemine Charity Imarah, a former employee of the Glen O. Hawbaker engineering company. Imarah claimed that during her tenure at the company, she was subjected to a hostile work environment that included … Read more