Michael O'Brien is a national correspondent covering higher education policy, university governance, and the intersection of academia and politics across the United States.
20 published articles
Parents, teachers, and alumni at David W. Carter High School are demanding the removal of Principal Troy Tyson over numerous allegations.
New academic centers funded by conservative donors are appearing at US universities, focusing on Western civilization and classical texts to counter perceived left-wing bias.
Xavier University of Louisiana has laid off 46 full-time employees, citing financial difficulties and a need for restructuring during its centennial year.
A surge in law school applications, many driven by politics, is prompting calls for admissions committees to apply greater scrutiny and watch for key red flags.
A major curriculum error in Queensland, Australia, has forced 140 students to be exempted from a key history exam after they were taught about the wrong Roman Caesar.
Higher education institutions are urging the U.S. government to grant them an exemption from a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, citing risks to research and innovation.
Teachers across Connecticut are facing a dramatic rise in verbal and physical aggression from students, prompting calls for action from education advocates.
Michigan State University's Board of Trustees is set to vote on a revised 'Spartan Gateway District' plan, which notably excludes a $150 million Olympic arena.
A new Harvard report reveals over 60% of undergraduate grades are A's, prompting the university to consider major reforms like adding an A+ grade.
Four Black educators in Fayette County, Tennessee, have filed a $1.9 million federal lawsuit against the school board, alleging a pattern of racial discrimination.
Missouri State University reports a double-digit drop in international student enrollment, highlighting a nationwide trend that is placing financial strain on U.S. colleges.
A Harvard exhibit condemning Israel's actions in Gaza was removed, sparking a confrontation between former University President Lawrence H. Summers and administrators over campus speech policies.
Montclair Public Schools has issued 153 notices of termination or reassignment to staff due to a $19.6 million budget deficit, with jobs hanging in the balance of a December special election.
Seven of the nation's leading universities, including MIT and Dartmouth, have rejected a Trump administration deal tying priority federal funding to major policy changes.
Minneapolis teachers and district leaders are in a final mediation session to avoid a strike. If no deal is reached, the union will hold a strike vote this week.
The University of Virginia is nearing a landmark settlement with the White House that will reshape its admissions policies following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
The University of South Florida has selected Moez Limayem, current president of the University of North Florida and former USF dean, as its ninth president.
Vanderbilt University is launching a major national expansion, with a new campus in West Palm Beach, a 99-year lease in Manhattan, and potential plans for San Francisco.
University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod outlined major threats to higher education, including funding cuts and falling public trust, amid KU's successes.
The White House's education reform agenda is facing strong opposition from elite universities, which have refused to link federal funding to specific policy changes.
