Two high‑profile campus controversies this week highlighted the political pressure on university leaders over speech, guest events and local policing. Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, requested a briefing with Evanston’s mayor and released communications tied to Northwestern’s April 2024 pro‑Palestinian encampment, framing the mayor’s response as a failure to protect Jewish students. The request signals potential legislative follow‑ups to address protest management and municipal‑campus mutual‑aid agreements. In Texas, Texas Tech’s Health Sciences Center canceled a scheduled talk by a third‑trimester abortion advocate after pressure from campus conservative activists and outside groups; PEN America criticized the decision as censorship. The episode underscores how state politics, campus groups and system administrators are increasingly entwined, creating legal and reputational risk for institutions hosting controversial speakers. Trustees, presidents and municipal leaders told lawmakers and reporters they are balancing legal obligations, student safety and First Amendment protections. Higher‑ed lawyers predict more congressional inquiries and state‑level policy proposals tied to campus protests and speaker vetting practices.