A Purdue University history professor declined a major Modern Language Association prize in protest of the MLA’s handling of Gaza‑related resolutions, citing institutional silence and suppression of delegate votes. The public refusal highlights rising pressure by faculty to hold scholarly associations and universities accountable for positions on international conflict and academic governance. At the same time, opinion pieces and campus incidents over contested grading decisions — including cases where teachers penalized students citing religious perspectives — have sparked debate about free speech, grading standards and academic freedom. Trustees and provosts are being forced to adjudicate high‑profile disciplinary and governance disputes while trying to protect faculty rights and student protections.