Two governance flashpoints exposed trustees’ legal and reputational risks: Clemson University rescinded a termination and settled with assistant professor Joshua Bregy after a First Amendment suit, while AGB commentary warned trustees against hasty presidential ousters or negotiating under public pressure. Clemson’s settlement restores pay and benefits through the original term and pledges positive recommendations as part of a resolution; legal groups framed the deal as a defense of academic speech. The episodes highlight how boards must balance free‑speech claims, political scrutiny, and rapid reputational threats—pressing general counsel and board chairs to codify fair-process procedures and crisis playbooks.