Public universities face escalating involvement from state lawmakers

By: Anna Claire Vollers

Outlets: Stateline

Published: June 25, 2026

Words: 1,963

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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Jennifer Brooks, a history professor at Auburn University, had barely unpacked from a trip out of town earlier this month when the messages started blowing up her phone.

Texts from colleagues and rumors on social media delivered the unsettling news: The Auburn Board of Trustees had voted to dissolve the school’s faculty senate and give itself ultimate authority over academic decisions, including curriculum.

“What was really surprising … is the lack of knowledge that most …

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