Public land-grant research system overseeing 10 campuses in California
Since April and into May 2026, multiple US universities have faced commencement and campus controversies over invited speakers and events related to Israel, free speech and protest. NYU is keeping Jonathan Haidt as its Yankee Stadium commencement speaker despite student government opposition; Rutgers has rescinded an invitation to alumnus Rami Elghandour; Georgetown Law replaced Morton Schapiro after student objections; and campus groups are clashing over guest appearances and platforming.
Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences has voted to limit undergraduate A grades to 20% of a class, with room for four additional A’s in smaller courses, starting fall 2027. The policy also shifts honors comparisons from GPA to average percentile rank. The measure aims to curb grade inflation after data showed a large share of grades were A-range in recent years, with debate echoing in other elite universities.
The World Cup faces scrutiny as mandatory three‑minute hydration breaks are debated amid concerns about heat safety, momentum loss, and commercial interests across host cities.
The UC Berkeley reading standards are under scrutiny as faculty discuss declines in reading assignments and overall preparedness. Reports show dropping workloads at top campuses, sparking concerns about whether students are ready for college-level work. The debate includes calls to reinstate SATs and adjust admissions for better readiness.
FIFA has found no disciplinary breach after video assistant referee Shaun Evans appeared to make an upside‑down ‘OK’ hand sign during Germany v Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup. The gesture prompted calls for his removal from FIFA’s discrimination monitor and debate over whether the sign represents a hate symbol or an innocent prank.