Sarah Brown
@brownepoints.bsky.social
News editor, The Chronicle of Higher Education. Marathon runner, horse girl, fantasy baseball amateur, UNC alum.
Pinned
Sarah Brown
@brownepoints.bsky.social
· Nov 22
Hey Bluesky!
I'm an editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education and have been a journalist there for a decade. I also oversee our internship program and am passionate about uplifting early-career journos. I post about higher ed news, views, and trends.
Got a story? newseditor at chronicle dot com
I'm an editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education and have been a journalist there for a decade. I also oversee our internship program and am passionate about uplifting early-career journos. I post about higher ed news, views, and trends.
Got a story? newseditor at chronicle dot com
Reposted by Sarah Brown
In a new deal with Trump, UVa agreed to adopt the administration's interpretation of DEI — in other words, that most diversity-related policies and programs are illegal discrimination
U. of Virginia Will Adopt Trump’s Interpretation of DEI in Federal Deal
The university has pledged to follow government guidance arguing that a wide range of diversity-related efforts and programs are illegal discrimination.
www.chronicle.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:40 PM
In a new deal with Trump, UVa agreed to adopt the administration's interpretation of DEI — in other words, that most diversity-related policies and programs are illegal discrimination
In a new deal with Trump, UVa agreed to adopt the administration's interpretation of DEI — in other words, that most diversity-related policies and programs are illegal discrimination
U. of Virginia Will Adopt Trump’s Interpretation of DEI in Federal Deal
The university has pledged to follow government guidance arguing that a wide range of diversity-related efforts and programs are illegal discrimination.
www.chronicle.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:40 PM
In a new deal with Trump, UVa agreed to adopt the administration's interpretation of DEI — in other words, that most diversity-related policies and programs are illegal discrimination
Reposted by Sarah Brown
UVA "would be required to continue to take steps to come into compliance with the administration’s expansive interpretation of a 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended explicit consideration of race in admissions to higher education, according to three people briefed on negotiations."
White House Moves Toward Settlement With First Public University www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
White House Moves Toward Settlement With First Public University
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM
UVA "would be required to continue to take steps to come into compliance with the administration’s expansive interpretation of a 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended explicit consideration of race in admissions to higher education, according to three people briefed on negotiations."
Reposted by Sarah Brown
Ok here's a new one: Vanderbilt's chancellor does NOT explicitly decline Trump's compact. He says, we interpreted the outreach as a chance to provide feedback to the White House, and we did that.
Compact Live Updates: U. of Arizona Says It Won’t Sign On, While Vanderbilt Describes ‘Ongoing Dialogue’
The Arizona flagship submitted a “statement of principles” to the government. Vanderbilt’s chancellor said “we have not been asked to accept or reject the draft compact,” and said the campus would pro...
www.chronicle.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ok here's a new one: Vanderbilt's chancellor does NOT explicitly decline Trump's compact. He says, we interpreted the outreach as a chance to provide feedback to the White House, and we did that.
Ok here's a new one: Vanderbilt's chancellor does NOT explicitly decline Trump's compact. He says, we interpreted the outreach as a chance to provide feedback to the White House, and we did that.
Compact Live Updates: U. of Arizona Says It Won’t Sign On, While Vanderbilt Describes ‘Ongoing Dialogue’
The Arizona flagship submitted a “statement of principles” to the government. Vanderbilt’s chancellor said “we have not been asked to accept or reject the draft compact,” and said the campus would pro...
www.chronicle.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ok here's a new one: Vanderbilt's chancellor does NOT explicitly decline Trump's compact. He says, we interpreted the outreach as a chance to provide feedback to the White House, and we did that.
University of Arizona president has declined Trump's compact — and sent back an alternative "statement of principles" outlining the u's current policies on international enrollment, academic freedom, admissions etc.
Compact Live Updates: U. of Arizona Says It Won’t Sign On, Becoming Seventh Campus to Decline
The flagship instead submitted a “statement of principles” to the government. Meanwhile, professors at the University of Texas at Austin urged their campus not to go along with the effort.
www.chronicle.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:25 PM
University of Arizona president has declined Trump's compact — and sent back an alternative "statement of principles" outlining the u's current policies on international enrollment, academic freedom, admissions etc.
Reposted by Sarah Brown
Breaking: Trump's higher-ed compact is open to all, I confirmed for @chronicle.com: www.chronicle.com/blogs/the-tr...
“We welcome any institution that wants to adopt these principles to sign the compact,” a source told me.
“We welcome any institution that wants to adopt these principles to sign the compact,” a source told me.
Trump Welcomes ‘Any Institution’ to Sign Onto Compact Outlining His Priorities
An administration source told The Chronicle that “any institution that wants to adopt these principles” could sign onto the document, which offers a purported edge in grant funding.
www.chronicle.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Breaking: Trump's higher-ed compact is open to all, I confirmed for @chronicle.com: www.chronicle.com/blogs/the-tr...
“We welcome any institution that wants to adopt these principles to sign the compact,” a source told me.
“We welcome any institution that wants to adopt these principles to sign the compact,” a source told me.
Interesting tidbits in my ace colleague @mzahneis.bsky.social's latest piece on Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University's leader and a Trump-supporting ex-congressman:
He said he quickly got up to speed on higher ed by attending the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.
He said he quickly got up to speed on higher ed by attending the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.
October 9, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Interesting tidbits in my ace colleague @mzahneis.bsky.social's latest piece on Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University's leader and a Trump-supporting ex-congressman:
He said he quickly got up to speed on higher ed by attending the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.
He said he quickly got up to speed on higher ed by attending the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.
If you, like me, having struggled to keep straight how different universities are responding to Trump's proposed "compact," we've got you covered.
The roundup demonstrates 1) varied leadership philosophies 2) a broad spectrum re: faculty engagement (or, perhaps, willingness to speak publicly).
The roundup demonstrates 1) varied leadership philosophies 2) a broad spectrum re: faculty engagement (or, perhaps, willingness to speak publicly).
The White House Sent Its Compact to 9 Universities. Here’s What Their Administrators and Faculty Are Saying.
Presidents have been guarded in their remarks on the Trump administration’s offer. But professors have expressed grave concerns.
www.chronicle.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
If you, like me, having struggled to keep straight how different universities are responding to Trump's proposed "compact," we've got you covered.
The roundup demonstrates 1) varied leadership philosophies 2) a broad spectrum re: faculty engagement (or, perhaps, willingness to speak publicly).
The roundup demonstrates 1) varied leadership philosophies 2) a broad spectrum re: faculty engagement (or, perhaps, willingness to speak publicly).
Great piece.
"...a central and long-running rupture over the foundational mission of civics schools... Should they reform how universities teach by prioritizing civil discourse, or should they add viewpoint diversity by hiring more conservatives?"
"...a central and long-running rupture over the foundational mission of civics schools... Should they reform how universities teach by prioritizing civil discourse, or should they add viewpoint diversity by hiring more conservatives?"
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Lesson in Civics
The School of Civic Life and Leadership’s public fighting is part of a long-running rupture about the mission of civics schools around the country.
www.theassemblync.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Great piece.
"...a central and long-running rupture over the foundational mission of civics schools... Should they reform how universities teach by prioritizing civil discourse, or should they add viewpoint diversity by hiring more conservatives?"
"...a central and long-running rupture over the foundational mission of civics schools... Should they reform how universities teach by prioritizing civil discourse, or should they add viewpoint diversity by hiring more conservatives?"
Come for a catch-up on the latest big higher ed news, stay for the Sean Penn cameo at the end (yes, really)
Trump’s ‘Compact’ Is Freaking People Out
Podcast Episode · College Matters from The Chronicle · 10/08/2025 · 40m
podcasts.apple.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Come for a catch-up on the latest big higher ed news, stay for the Sean Penn cameo at the end (yes, really)
A college president in a red state says his university is thriving right now. But there are tradeoffs.
Mizzou’s President Has Succeeded by Staying Out of Trouble
The University of Missouri leader turned around its reputation, bolstered state funding and enrollment, and restored the faculty trust. But his tight-lipped management style has its critics.
www.chronicle.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A college president in a red state says his university is thriving right now. But there are tradeoffs.
Reposted by Sarah Brown
www.chronicle.com/article/a-ro...
Breaking News: Harvard/AAUP win summary judgment in federal district court
Breaking News: Harvard/AAUP win summary judgment in federal district court
‘A Robust Victory’: Federal Judge Says Harvard Should Have Billions of Research Dollars Restored
The judge, Allison D. Burroughs, ruled that the Trump administration’s explanation for canceling the grants — that Harvard had done too little to respond to antisemitism — rang hollow.
www.chronicle.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
www.chronicle.com/article/a-ro...
Breaking News: Harvard/AAUP win summary judgment in federal district court
Breaking News: Harvard/AAUP win summary judgment in federal district court
First on @chronicle.com: George Mason University's president just refused the Trump administration's demand to deliver a "personal apology" for supporting diversity efforts in hiring.
GMU President Refuses to Apologize for Diversity Efforts, Lawyer Calls Ed. Dept. Claims ‘Absurd’
In a 10-page letter, Gregory Washington’s lawyer says the Trump administration conducted an incomplete and haphazard investigation full of “gross mischaracterizations.”
www.chronicle.com
August 25, 2025 at 7:38 PM
First on @chronicle.com: George Mason University's president just refused the Trump administration's demand to deliver a "personal apology" for supporting diversity efforts in hiring.
Reposted by Sarah Brown
Reposted by Sarah Brown
SCOOP: The NIH is moving to prohibit funded scientists, inside and outside the agency, from collecting data about gender, according to a draft policy I obtained. It’s part of the NIH’s aggressive crackdown on gender-identity research. www.chronicle.com/article/gend...
Gender Data Would Be Off-Limits Under Proposed NIH Policy
A draft rule would bar scientists funded by the agency from collecting data about gender identity, following other steps the administration has taken to restrict research on LGBT topics.
www.chronicle.com
August 12, 2025 at 8:29 PM
SCOOP: The NIH is moving to prohibit funded scientists, inside and outside the agency, from collecting data about gender, according to a draft policy I obtained. It’s part of the NIH’s aggressive crackdown on gender-identity research. www.chronicle.com/article/gend...
Everyone wants to see the numbers — how selective colleges choose their classes.
How they make sense of those numbers (especially now that the Trump administration is among those parties) could have major implications for higher ed.
How they make sense of those numbers (especially now that the Trump administration is among those parties) could have major implications for higher ed.
Columbia’s Deal With Trump Stokes Fears of Federal Admissions Audits
The university will hand over new details about the prospective students it admits and rejects. Is it laying the groundwork for more-aggressive government intervention?
www.chronicle.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Everyone wants to see the numbers — how selective colleges choose their classes.
How they make sense of those numbers (especially now that the Trump administration is among those parties) could have major implications for higher ed.
How they make sense of those numbers (especially now that the Trump administration is among those parties) could have major implications for higher ed.
At least some funding for federal TRIO programs — which support low-income students — is being awarded as planned this summer, per campus announcements. Hundreds of colleges rely on TRIO grants.
(In the long run, though, Trump has proposed eliminating TRIO and dismantling ED, which administers it.)
(In the long run, though, Trump has proposed eliminating TRIO and dismantling ED, which administers it.)
TRiO Delivers. Will Congress?
UMSV Wins $1.7M SSS/TRiO Grant Renewal—But National Funding Cuts Could Threaten TRiO’s Future
mountsaintvincent.edu
July 28, 2025 at 7:07 PM
At least some funding for federal TRIO programs — which support low-income students — is being awarded as planned this summer, per campus announcements. Hundreds of colleges rely on TRIO grants.
(In the long run, though, Trump has proposed eliminating TRIO and dismantling ED, which administers it.)
(In the long run, though, Trump has proposed eliminating TRIO and dismantling ED, which administers it.)
Reposted by Sarah Brown
THREAD:
1/ FWIW, @usedgov.bsky.social has sent a notice to @harvard.edu 's institutional accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education, alleging the university had violated Title VI and may be in violation of accreditation standards
www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
1/ FWIW, @usedgov.bsky.social has sent a notice to @harvard.edu 's institutional accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education, alleging the university had violated Title VI and may be in violation of accreditation standards
www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services Notify Harvard University’s Accreditor of Harvard’s Title VI Violation
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights today notified the New England Commission of Higher E...
www.ed.gov
July 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
THREAD:
1/ FWIW, @usedgov.bsky.social has sent a notice to @harvard.edu 's institutional accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education, alleging the university had violated Title VI and may be in violation of accreditation standards
www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
1/ FWIW, @usedgov.bsky.social has sent a notice to @harvard.edu 's institutional accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education, alleging the university had violated Title VI and may be in violation of accreditation standards
www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
Wisconsin just made 4/4 teaching loads the law for all full-time faculty members at the state's public universities (except the university system's two research universities, where everyone must teach a 2/2 load)
A 4/4 Teaching Load Becomes Law at Most of Wisconsin’s Public Universities
The mandate, included in the state’s new budget, applies to full-time faculty across the University of Wisconsin system — except at the two R1 universities, where professors must carry 2/2 loads.
www.chronicle.com
July 9, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Wisconsin just made 4/4 teaching loads the law for all full-time faculty members at the state's public universities (except the university system's two research universities, where everyone must teach a 2/2 load)
Updated Chronicle story on UVa President Jim Ryan's resignation:
"Faculty members at every university should be worried that the federal government believes it has the right to decide who their leader should be."
"Faculty members at every university should be worried that the federal government believes it has the right to decide who their leader should be."
University of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure From Trump Administration
The sudden move followed a reported demand by federal officials that James Ryan step down to resolve a Department of Justice investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion on the campus.
www.chronicle.com
June 27, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Updated Chronicle story on UVa President Jim Ryan's resignation:
"Faculty members at every university should be worried that the federal government believes it has the right to decide who their leader should be."
"Faculty members at every university should be worried that the federal government believes it has the right to decide who their leader should be."
UVa eliminated its central diversity office and moved staff to other roles back in March.
But per the Chronicle's reporting last month, the Justice Department latched onto the idea (promoted by a small alumni group and then others) that President Jim Ryan hadn't done enough to root out "DEI."
But per the Chronicle's reporting last month, the Justice Department latched onto the idea (promoted by a small alumni group and then others) that President Jim Ryan hadn't done enough to root out "DEI."
June 27, 2025 at 8:47 PM
UVa eliminated its central diversity office and moved staff to other roles back in March.
But per the Chronicle's reporting last month, the Justice Department latched onto the idea (promoted by a small alumni group and then others) that President Jim Ryan hadn't done enough to root out "DEI."
But per the Chronicle's reporting last month, the Justice Department latched onto the idea (promoted by a small alumni group and then others) that President Jim Ryan hadn't done enough to root out "DEI."
UVa President Jim Ryan has just released his statement on his decision to resign.
"To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University. But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job."
"To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University. But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job."
June 27, 2025 at 8:24 PM
UVa President Jim Ryan has just released his statement on his decision to resign.
"To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University. But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job."
"To make a long story short, I am inclined to fight for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University. But I cannot make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job."
Full transparency, I deleted a thread about the feds pushing out college presidents in the past due to alleged/substantiated wrongdoing. Of course we at the Chronicle are covering the UVa story as the unprecedented and big deal that it is.
June 27, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Full transparency, I deleted a thread about the feds pushing out college presidents in the past due to alleged/substantiated wrongdoing. Of course we at the Chronicle are covering the UVa story as the unprecedented and big deal that it is.