State-level oversight and legislative probes into curriculum are colliding with traditional faculty governance. A state legislative office requested syllabi and course materials for Middle East studies from the University of Arkansas, prompting faculty concern over the scope and purpose of the demand. Faculty leaders say they have not been given a clear justification for the review and worry about precedent for legislative intrusion into curricula. The American Association of University Professors released a report defending shared governance as several states have enacted laws that limit faculty senate authority. The AAUP warned that weakening faculty decision‑making risks politicizing curriculum and diminishing institutions’ ability to maintain academic standards. University presidents, trustees and faculty senates should respond proactively: clarify records‑request processes, document academic rationale for courses, and engage legal counsel and state lawmakers to protect shared governance while increasing transparency.