Virginia Democrats blocked 14 of Governor Youngkin’s university board appointments, citing concerns about politicization in higher education governance. Ohio State University implemented a ban on land acknowledgments as part of state-mandated efforts to restrict Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Meanwhile, the University of Phoenix prepares for an IPO after a failed sale, reflecting ongoing challenges for for-profit education providers. These developments underscore heightened political pressures shaping governance and institutional strategies nationwide.