Dismantling of U.S. Soft Power Tools

The U.S. built up soft power tools after WWII and during the Cold War, including Radio Free Europe and scholarships. The Trump administration is dismantling these institutions, leading to concerns about the U.S.'s global influence and understanding of the world.

Ohio State University closes Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Center for Belonging and Social Change

Ohio State University sunset its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Center for Belonging and Social Change due to federal guidance on eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion measures on campus. This decision impacted 16 staff positions but the school promised to assist impacted employees in finding internal jobs. The university also made changes to scholarship eligibility criteria and announced a review of other DEI-related units.

Ohio State Universities Ending Race-Based Scholarships

Ohio's Republican attorney general has ordered state universities to end scholarships that use race-based criteria, citing unconstitutionality after the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. This has led to a review of scholarships and programs at Ohio public schools for potential noncompliance.

Anti-Israel Protests and Iranian Involvement

Iranian university offers scholarships to students expelled from U.S. and European universities over anti-Israel protests. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses conflict with Israel and Hamas amid protests. Anti-Israel demonstrations with antisemitic slogans escalate on American campuses.

Northwestern University's Agreement with Pro-Palestinian Protesters

Northwestern University has agreed to the demands of pro-Palestinian protesters, offering scholarships and special housing for Palestinian and Muslim students. The activists agreed to remove their encampment and protest during daylight hours. Jewish students felt threatened by the encampment. The deal also includes support for Palestinian students and faculty, as well as a new house for MENA/Muslim students.