Faculty governance and academic freedom disputes intensified as instructors and graduate employees sought protection from politically charged administrative actions. At the University of Oklahoma, faculty demanded clearer policies and protections after a graduate teaching assistant was placed on administrative leave following a viral grading dispute—raising broader concerns about political harassment and the vulnerability of instructors to public pressure. Across campuses, commentary and reporting described a broader collapse of civility in higher education debates—administrators struggling to balance free speech, safety, and disciplinary standards amid protests and polarized public narratives. Experts called for clearer protocols around invited speakers, disciplinary processes and transparency in decision‑making. University leaders said they are revising grievance and academic‑freedom procedures, while faculty unions and legal advocates are preparing for litigation and appeals where due process is viewed as compromised.