State and system-level directives are tightening controls over course content and campus programming while diversity officers report rising stress and shifting responsibilities. Texas Tech’s system chancellor issued a memo requiring pre‑approval and administrative review for course materials on race, gender identity and sexual orientation and barred certain types of advocacy. At the same time, a national survey of chief diversity officers found 87% report more stress and 91% cite the political climate as their greatest challenge. Institutions are confronting legal and operational tradeoffs as they balance compliance with academic freedom and student-support functions.