Across American campuses, professors are rewriting syllabuses and self-censoring lectures as Trump administration policies reshape higher education. While Harvard remains the primary target, Northwestern University and Brown University have also acceded to federal demands, according to interviews with dozens of faculty members nationwide.

Professors report stripping grant applications of potentially controversial language and avoiding provocative topics like affirmative action, immigration, and transgender rights. The White House insists these measures combat bigotry and restore public confidence, but critics liken the tactics to authoritarian suppression of free thought. Faculty members at schools like University of California, Berkeley and Emory University describe altered classroom dynamics where students record lectures and international students fear retaliation.

Some professors welcome the changes, particularly conservatives who felt constrained by diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, many academics report a fraying of trust between teachers and students, with discussions becoming more superficial and intellectual debate stifled. The chilling effect extends beyond targeted institutions, creating an atmosphere where professors feel they could face scrutiny from anywhere.