Scholars at Risk Reports 40 US Academic Freedom Attacks
A Scholars at Risk report details at least 40 attacks on U.S. Academic freedom from July 2025 to June 2026, citing pressure from state and federal politicians for 'ideological compliance'.
The U.S. Higher education sector faced at least 40 attacks on its academic freedom between July 2025 and June 2026. The findings come from a new analysis released by the international Scholars at Risk network.
State and federal politicians repeatedly sought to undermine college autonomy during this period. SAR stated these efforts aimed to pressure institutions "into political or ideological compliance." The organization warned that government interference poses a significant threat.
Government Pressure and Legislation
SAR's report highlights actions from the Trump administration. It cited threats to cut funding from colleges that did not yield to its demands, using Harvard University as an example. While Harvard refused, the administration later brokered deals with several other high-profile universities. The report also noted a proffered compact where colleges would adopt the administration's policy goals in exchange for priority federal research funding.
State legislatures also played a role. SAR pointed to laws limiting classroom teaching and weakening tenure and shared governance. The report argued such interventions, often justified by fiscal discipline or public accountability, are frequently used to impose ideological control.
Institutional Self-Censorship and Lawsuits
The political pressure triggered widespread faculty self-censorship. SAR's report states that at least 60 instructors faced professional retaliation over comments related to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Several colleges have since entered costly settlements to end lawsuits over those disciplinary decisions.
Some public universities enacted new, vaguely worded policies suppressing personal expression. This increased the likelihood of self-censorship among faculty and students, an argument raised in multiple legal challenges. Lawsuits are ongoing against the Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University systems over policies restricting teaching on subjects related to gender and race.
A Global and National Decline
SAR's U.S. Data is part of a broader global analysis. The organization found that against deteriorating worldwide conditions, the U.S. Stood out for "illiberal policies, laws, and extralegal actions targeting higher education in democratic contexts." Governments in several countries, including the U.S., have banned research topics and cut funding on ideological grounds.
The report follows the latest Academic Freedom Index, which found a 50% decline in U.S. University autonomy from 2015 to 2025. Over the past six years, the U.S. Experienced a faster decline than early drops seen in Hungary and Turkey. SAR concluded that these actions created an environment enabling monitoring and scrutiny of classroom expression.
