Faculty and students at Alabama public colleges have appealed a federal court ruling that upheld the state's anti-DEI law. The appeal, filed with the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals, challenges the decision that allowed the law to remain in effect, arguing that it violates free speech rights and is too ambiguous to be fairly enforced. The plaintiffs, represented by civil rights groups, stress that the law has created a chilling effect on campus dialogue and academic expression.

As the end of the year approaches, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all that needs to get done professionally and personally, suggests sociologist Tracy Brower. As a best practice, prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait until the new year, focus on gratitude and avoid habits that drain you like spending too much time online. "Surprisingly, when you remind yourself that you can't do it all, you'll actually enhance your well-being," Brower notes.

The Trump administration has emphasized "merit-based opportunity" in federal hiring and college admissions, often positioning merit in opposition to affirmative action and racial preferences. However, the definition of merit remains unclear, with some advocating for measurable academic metrics and others highlighting nonacademic achievements. The University of Austin has attempted to base admissions solely on quantifiable factors, but experts note that grades and

Leaders from the University of California system and Stanford University will be among the 30 members of the new California Innovation Council, advising on AI policy in state government and guiding agency use of the technology. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants the state to use AI responsibly, leveraging its benefits while mitigating its potential harm.

College seniors are graduating without having experienced a full semester without generative AI, raising concerns about overreliance and its impact on critical thinking, write Elisa Sobo, David Goldberg and Megan Alstot of San Diego State University. Their research finds students split between "appropriators," who let AI do the work, and "collaborators," who use AI to enhance their thinking. Faculty play a crucial role in guiding students toward responsible AI use, highlighting the need for professional development and clear guidelines.

Turning Point USA chapters at Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Oklahoma report significant membership growth following the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk. Indiana University's chapter has tripled its membership to 363, while Oklahoma's chapter has grown from 15 to 2,000 members over the past year. This trend is mirrored at other universities, with Turning Point USA receiving 62,000 inquiries from students interested in starting or joining chapters shortly after Kirk's death. Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, with the mission of "to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government."