Students

University of Utah to Close Specialized Student Centers Amid New DEI Law, Prompting Concern and Heartbreak Among Students

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Salt Lake City, Utah — As Becket Harris embarked on her collegiate journey at the University of Utah, the institution’s LGBT center quickly became a sanctuary—a place to cultivate friendships, study, and feel accepted without reservations about her transgender identity. That sanctuary, along with other pivotal campus centers, is now facing closure following a statewide rollback on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that is prompting widespread concern among students and educators alike. Harris, 20, expressed her dismay, questioning the future of her campus community. “What am I going to do without my space on campus? … Read more

IU Spirit Award Honors Innovative Dual Students for the First Time

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Dusseldorf, Germany – The IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) has awarded its first IU Spirit Award, recognizing students on dual study programs who demonstrate innovation and commitment through their projects, theses, and initiatives. The award, presented for the first time in 2024, honors projects that excel in innovative strength, practical implementation, and the application of current research findings. Over 40 entries from 13 different degree programs were submitted for the IU Spirit Award this year. The winner of the jury prize is Jonathan Siepmann, a dual student from Dusseldorf studying Mechanical Engineering. Siepmann … Read more

LSU Settles Lawsuit Over Mishandling of Sexual Misconduct Reports, Pays $1.9 Million to Former Students

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana – LSU has reached a settlement agreement to pay $1.9 million in a lawsuit involving 10 former students. The lawsuit accused university officials of violating the students’ civil rights by failing to adequately investigate and address reports of rape, partner violence, and sexual harassment on campus. The settlement, obtained through a public-records request, was signed by LSU President William Tate on March 27. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, came in the wake of numerous former students speaking out about their experiences of sexual assault at LSU. Two plaintiffs in the case alleged … Read more

Backlash Grows Over Florida Law Excluding Chinese Grad Students from Universities

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Gainesville, Florida – A law in Florida is facing criticism from professors, students, and advocates who believe it may exclude Chinese graduate students from the state’s universities. State Bill 846, which came into effect last July, prohibits the hiring of graduate students from “countries of concern,” including China, the largest source of international students in the state. The law has sparked protests as universities issue offer letters in the spring. Critics argue that the measure poses a threat to academic freedom, scientific advancements, and the state’s education system. They claim it is discriminatory and will … Read more