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
Kansas lawmakers are considering expanding a state law banning DEI policies to include university classroom curriculum, sparking a debate on academic freedom.
A coalition of Southern states is forming new college accrediting agencies with conservative backing, aiming to challenge the established system and promote intellectual diversity.
An inside look at the political pressures, board dynamics, and media campaigns that culminated in the ouster of Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh.
The Atlanta Board of Education has approved a controversial plan to close or repurpose 16 schools starting in 2027 to address budget shortfalls and low enrollment.
A conservative student group at Gettysburg College recorded a student tearing down their event flyers, an act the group says is a recurring problem on campus.
Highlander Charter School's elementary campus in Providence will close for two days as staff plan to strike over disputes on wages and health benefits.
The U.S. State Department is reviewing a proposal to suspend 38 universities, including Harvard and Yale, from a federal research program over DEI policies.
Students at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School walked out of class to protest the layoff of 23 staff members following the reveal of a $1.4 million budget deficit.
The election of Abigail Spanberger as Virginia's governor is poised to significantly alter the state's public university system, signaling a potential policy shift.
Bowdoin College faces criticism from alumni and students after its initial social media post about alumnus Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral victory was seen as dismissive.
US university investigations into antisemitism allegations surged after October 7, 2023, with more probes opened in late 2023 than in the prior two decades. A new report reveals Title VI of the Civil
The Lincoln Parish School Board has approved a major school restructuring plan, which will convert elementary schools into PreK-5th grade neighborhood institutions.
Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences is facing a projected $350 million structural deficit, prompting plans for major long-term structural changes.
Somerset County's Board of Education has named W. David Bromwell, a veteran educator, as interim superintendent to address the district's academic struggles.
Harvard University is considering stricter grading policies after a report revealed 60% of undergraduate grades are A's, sparking student backlash over mental health concerns.
A new federal directive requires colleges to report student application data by race, sparking debate and administrative challenges for universities across the country.
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.
