Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

aaupbrownchapter.bsky.social @aaupbrownchapter.bsky.social · 15h

Brown Chapter of the AAUP's Statement Urging the University to Reject the Federal Government's “Compact”
www.brownchapteraaup.org/statements

Statements — Brown AAUP

www.brownchapteraaup.org

3 3

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 16h

Strong statement against the "compact" issued tonight from the Brown AAUP Chapter

www.brownchapteraaup.org/statements

Statements — Brown AAUP

www.brownchapteraaup.org

1

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 1d

"The Vanderbilt Chapter of the AAUP stands with the national AAUP, the AAUP chapters of the other targeted universities, and members of the Vanderbilt community in opposing the Compact and demanding that our administration do so as well."

Jonathan Gilligan @jgilligan.org · 1d

The Vanderbilt chapter of @aaup.org has issued a statement condemning President Trump's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" as an illegal assault on civil rights, academic freedom, shared governance, and institutional autonomy.

vanderbiltaaup.org/2025/10/06/s...

Statement by the Vanderbilt AAUP Executive Committee on the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education”

October 6, 2025 On October 2nd, Vanderbilt was among nine universities “invited” to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” with the federal government. The Compact, however, i…

vanderbiltaaup.org

7 18

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 1d

Helpful context from @fishkin.bsky.social on the proposed "compact" with universities.

Joey Fishkin @fishkin.bsky.social · 3d

I thought I'd put the administration's proposed "compact" with universities in context, so I wrote the blog post below.

It's especially for journalists covering this story!

Many details about how the compact itself works and why the administration has retreated to this strategy.

Balkinization: The Art of Replacing the Law with the Deal

A group blog on constitutional law, theory, and politics

balkin.blogspot.com

1

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 4d

Important context from @genevievelakier.bsky.social:

Genevieve Lakier @genevievelakier.bsky.social · 4d

The Trump Administration’s “Compact of Excellence” for Universities is... far from excellent! Indeed, it’s unconstitutional. In this post, let me count the ways.

blog.dividedargument.com/p/the-uncons...

The Unconstitutional Conditions Doctrine and the Compact for Excellence

Members of the Trump administration love to say that federal funding is a privilege not a right and therefore something that can be granted or withheld based on changing administrative priorities.

blog.dividedargument.com

77 240

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Brian Soucek @brsoucek.bsky.social · 4d

Strong statement today from UC's Academic Senate:

18 370 1.1K

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 4d

Berkeley Law Dean Chemerinsky on Trump's proposed "compact" with universities:

"It is not hyperbole to say that the future of higher education in America requires that every university reject it. ..."

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/o...

Opinion | Trump’s ‘Compact’ With Universities Is Just Extortion

www.nytimes.com

1 6

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

The University of Chicago Press @uchicagopress.bsky.social · 5d

An important piece from Brian Soucek (@brsoucek.bsky.social), author of THE OPINIONATED UNIVERSITY, coming in January 2026.

www.salon.com/2025/10/02/w...

When military recruiters visit, colleges must support trans students

The trans ban violates the missions of universities — and their silence is dishonorable

www.salon.com

4 5

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 4d

The Univ. of California systemwide Academic Council "calls on the [UC] Office of the Pres. and the UC Board of Regents to unequivocally reject govt'al demands that compromise institutional autonomy and academic freedom."

Brian Soucek @brsoucek.bsky.social · 4d

Strong statement today from UC's Academic Senate:

1 2

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

PBS News @pbsnews.org · 5d

The White House is asking nine major universities to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money.
https://to.pbs.org/3IDyV5d

Trump asks 9 colleges to commit to his political agenda for better access to federal money

A document sent to the universities encourages them to adopt the White House’s vision for America’s campuses, with commitments to accept the government’s priorities on admissions, women’s sports, free...

www.pbs.org

48 90 140

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · 12d

Congrats! 🎉

1 1

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

AAUP @aaup.org · 21d

BREAKING:

A historic coalition of national & California labor unions led by the AAUP filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the illegal & coercive use of civil rights laws to attack the University of California system & the rights of their members.

UC employees, not waiting on leaders, sue Trump for 'financial coercion' over UCLA cuts

University of California faculty, students and staff on Tuesday sued President Trump over a $1.2-million penalty against UCLA and federal demands over campus changes. They argued that the actions camp...

www.latimes.com

9 300 760

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

CNN @cnn.com · 26d

Harvard University says it has started receiving notices that many federal grants halted by the Trump administration will be reinstated after a federal judge ruled that the cuts were illegal.

Trump administration takes first steps to restore Harvard’s funding, but money isn’t flowing yet | CNN

Harvard University says it has started receiving notices that many federal grants halted by the Trump administration will be reinstated after a federal judge ruled that the cuts were illegal.

www.cnn.com

20 200 980

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · Sep 3

NEWS: Harvard University scored a major legal victory in its battle with the Trump administration after a court ruled that the US illegally froze more than $2 billion in research funding. (Bloomberg)

Harvard $2 Billion Funding Freeze by US Was Illegal, Judge Says

Harvard University scored a major legal victory in its battle with the Trump administration after a court ruled that the US illegally froze more than $2 billion in research funding.

www.bloomberg.com

71 910 4.3K

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

David Cole @davidcole-gtown.bsky.social · Aug 24

Georgetown Civil Rights Appellate Clinic is hiring! This is a fabulous opportunity to work with one of the best appellate civil rights lawyers today, Brian Wolfman.

perma.cc/CX9E-NSEJ

August 2025 - ACIC fellowship announcement

ACIC fellowship announcment

perma.cc

19 20

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · Aug 19

So thrilled for you!

1 4

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Ariela Gross @arielagross.bsky.social · Aug 15

Happy to join my colleagues @blakeprof.bsky.social @fishkin.bsky.social @davidmarcus.bsky.social and many others in this important message to the @uofcalifornia: Fight the Illegal Cuts!

Blake Emerson @blakeprof.bsky.social · Aug 15

🚨 150 University of California law professors (and counting) have now signed this open letter to the UC Regents and other officials, explaining the flagrant illegality of the Trump Administration’s UCLA funding cut offs, and urging the UC to fight back. sites.google.com/view/uclawfa...

Dear President Milliken, Regents, and Governor Newsom,
As faculty members of University of California law schools, we endorse Governor Newsom's commitment to resist the Trump Administration's unlawful actions taken against the University of California, Los Angeles. The Governor is on firm legal ground. The Trump Administration's termination and suspension of federal funds has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in numerous ways. Governor Newsom and the University of California Regents will protect the vital interests not only of Californians but of all Americans if they defend the University of California's rights.
The U.S. Department of Justice notified UCLA on July 29, 2025, that it had found that UCLA had "violated its obligations under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964." Chancellor Frenk subsequently announced that
"the federal government claims antisemitism and bias as the reasons" for federal grant terminations. UCLA faces losses of at least $584 million, funding that has supported vital research on matters ranging from treatments for pancreatic cancer to advances in online security.
The Trump Administration has made no pretense of following the law. Title VI permits a federal agency to terminate funding only if it has found that the particular program receiving that funding has violated the law's non-discrimination provisions. Funding cannot disappear just because the agency's policy or political preferences differ from the institution's.
Moreover, the agency can act only after following specific procedural steps. Importantly, Title VI requires a formal administrative hearing—a proceeding much like a trial-before the agency can terminate funding. At the hearing, the agency would have the burden of proving the university's alleged violations of Title VI before an impartial decision-maker. If the agency prevails at the hearing, the university or other interested persons could appea…

factually supported and consistent with civil rights laws. Without the steps Title VI requires, there is no protection against an administration alleging discrimination as a pretext to force compliance with its policy or partisan preferences. Title VI's procedures guarantee the constitutional due process requirement that no person can be deprived of liberty or property without fair notice and opportunity to be heard. They protect the university and its members' academic freedom, an endowment essential to scientific research, intellectual discovery, and open debate.
We are deeply committed to the core principle of non-discrimination codified in Title VI and in the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. The principle that no person may suffer discrimination because of race, color, or national origin protects equality and ensures fairness in political as well as social life. Allegations of discrimination deserve serious and careful consideration and, where established, effective redress. But this enforcement effort must follow the law.
We urge Governor Newsom and the UC Regents to continue to stand up for the fundamental principles of the rule of law, due process, and equal protection. A defense of the University of California's rights in court will model respect for these bedrock principles of equality and fairness, and it will ensure that the government honors them. The Trump Administration's failure to abide by the law subverts these principles by denying the University of California a fair opportunity to contest the government's charges of unlawful discrimination before an impartial decisionmaker. It is precisely because we cherish the principles of the Civil Rights Act and the Constitution that we encourage Governor Newsom, the UC Regents, and the University of California to fight back.
Through its grantmaking powers, the federal government wields vast influence over social and economic life. If not held to account by the procedural protections enacted by Congres…

3 13 36

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · Aug 16

UC Law faculty open letter urging UC Regents and Gov Newsom to stand up for the rule of law, due process, and equal protection. #StandUpforUC

Blake Emerson @blakeprof.bsky.social · Aug 15

🚨 150 University of California law professors (and counting) have now signed this open letter to the UC Regents and other officials, explaining the flagrant illegality of the Trump Administration’s UCLA funding cut offs, and urging the UC to fight back. sites.google.com/view/uclawfa...

7 18

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Lucina Uddin @lucinauddin.bsky.social · Aug 10

Let’s do this www.universityofcalifornia.edu/get-involved...

Stand Up for UC

We must stand together to protect our students, staff, faculty and our mission.

www.universityofcalifornia.edu

28 53

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Governor Tim Walz @governorwalz.mn.gov · Jun 28

We’re lighting the I-35W bridge green tonight and tomorrow in honor of Melissa Hortman, who found joy and peace in trees and gardens 🌳

160 1.4K 10K

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Polling USA @usapolling.bsky.social · Jun 23

"Do you want America to be at war with Iran?"

No: 85%
Yes: 5%

YouGov / June 22, 2025

810 5.6K 22K

Courtney Joslin @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social · Jun 21

Another wonderful Family Law Scholars and Teachers conference. Huge thanks to the organizers and to @drexelklinelaw.bsky.social for hosting. See you all again next year!

Liz Kukura @lizkukura.bsky.social · Jun 19

Thrilled to host this amazing group at Drexel for another wonderful Family Law Scholars & Teachers Conference! Most grateful for the generous feedback, new ideas, and supportive community #FLSTC @drexelklinelaw.bsky.social

1 9

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · Jun 21

Yes, Rep. Melissa Hortman was a consequential Speaker of the Minnesota house. But what distinguishes her career is character. Did you know this about her?

24 510 1.8K

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Katie Kraschel @katiekraschel.bsky.social · Jun 17

‼️TOMORROW (Wed. 6/18) at 1‼️
Come hear about the new book I’m honored to have contributed to alongside my co-authors @courtneygjoslin.bsky.social and Doug NeJaime.

I’m excited to be sharing a bit about our chapter along with a group of scholars cutting across disciplines. REGISTER now to attend!

Rene Almeling @ralmeling.bsky.social · Jun 3

You're invited!

Online Book Launch for...

SEMINAL: On Sperm, Health, and Politics

Wed June 18th, 1pm-2pm EDT

Registration required: tinyurl.com/yu7hxhma

Learn more about the book here: nyupress.org/978147983408...

Please share widely!

Cover image of Seminal: On Sperm, Health, and Politics with info about online book launch on Wed June 18 at 1pm EDT and pictures of editors Rene Almeling, Lisa Campo-Engelstein, and Brian T. Nguyen.

1 3

Reposted by Courtney Joslin

Eric Columbus @ericcolumbus.bsky.social · Jun 17

Please read and share this statement from Sophie and Colin Hortman, children of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.

(via WCCO reporter Caroline Cummings on X)

"We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can't believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.
"We want everyone to know that we are both safe and with loved ones. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, and we appreciate your respect for our family's privacy as we grieve.
"Our family would like to thank law enforcement for their swift action that saved others and for the coordination across communities that led to the arrest of the man who murdered our parents. We especially would like to thank the officers who were first on the scene to our parents' home and their heroic attempts to rescue our mom and dad.
"Our parents touched so many lives, and they leave behind an incredible legacy of dedication to their community that will live on in us, their friends, their colleagues and co-workers, and every single person who knew and loved them.
"If you would like to honor the memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following:
• Plant a tree.
• Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
• Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
• Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
• Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
• Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
• Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
"Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else."

440 6.8K 17K