Two campus controversies underscore intensifying political pressure on higher education. At least 26 faculty nationwide faced sanctions after online comments about the assassination at Utah Valley University, prompting multiple lawsuits and a PEN America report warning of chilling effects on campus speech. Separately, the University of Arkansas withdrew a dean offer after backlash from Republican lawmakers over the scholar's support for transgender‑athlete policy litigation. Both episodes highlight how public and legislative scrutiny is reshaping hiring, governance, and academic freedom decisions on campuses.