Multiple institutions signaled deeper belt‑tightening as colleges face enrollment declines and policy uncertainty. Yale’s leadership warned that new endowment taxes may force additional budget cuts and possible layoffs; the announcement prompted concern among faculty and staff. At the opposite end of the spectrum, private, predominantly Black Martin University said it will “pause” operations citing financial and enrollment pressures while it assesses strategic options. Together the moves underline how federal policy shifts, demographic headwinds, and funding volatility are prompting institutions to consider program eliminations, staffing reductions, and structural change.