Jasper Smith
@jasperjsmith.bsky.social
Staff reporter at @chronicle.com covering HBCUs, race on campus, and university legal drama. Reality TV enthusiast, cookbook collector, cat mom. She/her.
Reach me [email protected]
Reach me [email protected]
As the Trump administration seeks to overhaul higher ed, two Virginia universities have landed at the center of its war on diversity efforts
I talk with Jack Stripling on this week’s College Matters about why Virginia has become ground zero in that fight
www.chronicle.com/podcast/coll...
I talk with Jack Stripling on this week’s College Matters about why Virginia has become ground zero in that fight
www.chronicle.com/podcast/coll...
How Virginia Became Higher Ed’s Battlefield
With one university president felled and another imperiled, fights over DEI in the commonwealth are getting brutal.
www.chronicle.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
As the Trump administration seeks to overhaul higher ed, two Virginia universities have landed at the center of its war on diversity efforts
I talk with Jack Stripling on this week’s College Matters about why Virginia has become ground zero in that fight
www.chronicle.com/podcast/coll...
I talk with Jack Stripling on this week’s College Matters about why Virginia has become ground zero in that fight
www.chronicle.com/podcast/coll...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
Trump, who said last year that he had “saved” historically Black colleges, has canceled $140 million in grants to them since March.
Agencies told HBCUs “to change the language in grant applications that explicitly focus on Black people — or lose federal funding.”
www.chronicle.com/article/hbcu...
Agencies told HBCUs “to change the language in grant applications that explicitly focus on Black people — or lose federal funding.”
www.chronicle.com/article/hbcu...
HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black-Focused Grants: ‘This Is Our Existence’
HBCUs’ mission-driven effort to serve Black communities could now result in severe budget cuts under Trump’s crusade against DEI. It’s all a big misunderstanding, advocates say.
www.chronicle.com
June 26, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Trump, who said last year that he had “saved” historically Black colleges, has canceled $140 million in grants to them since March.
Agencies told HBCUs “to change the language in grant applications that explicitly focus on Black people — or lose federal funding.”
www.chronicle.com/article/hbcu...
Agencies told HBCUs “to change the language in grant applications that explicitly focus on Black people — or lose federal funding.”
www.chronicle.com/article/hbcu...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
It’s like telling a cancer institute to stop spending so much on cancer research.
Here are a few of the many cuts.
Via @jasperjsmith.bsky.social
Here are a few of the many cuts.
Via @jasperjsmith.bsky.social
June 26, 2025 at 12:32 PM
It’s like telling a cancer institute to stop spending so much on cancer research.
Here are a few of the many cuts.
Via @jasperjsmith.bsky.social
Here are a few of the many cuts.
Via @jasperjsmith.bsky.social
Reposted by Jasper Smith
In Clarksdale, there's limited transportation and no movie theater. The town inspired Sinners, but many can't travel to see it in theaters.
They created a petition to invite Ryan Coogler & team to host a public screening and experience the Delta.
MY LATEST: capitalbnews.org/clarksdale-r...
They created a petition to invite Ryan Coogler & team to host a public screening and experience the Delta.
MY LATEST: capitalbnews.org/clarksdale-r...
‘Sinners’ Is Set in Clarksdale, Where There’s No Theater. Locals Are Asking for a Screening.
The Mississippi Delta town launched a petition in hopes of bringing director Ryan Coogler and his team to the community that helped inspire the hit film.
capitalbnews.org
April 30, 2025 at 1:36 PM
In Clarksdale, there's limited transportation and no movie theater. The town inspired Sinners, but many can't travel to see it in theaters.
They created a petition to invite Ryan Coogler & team to host a public screening and experience the Delta.
MY LATEST: capitalbnews.org/clarksdale-r...
They created a petition to invite Ryan Coogler & team to host a public screening and experience the Delta.
MY LATEST: capitalbnews.org/clarksdale-r...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
'This is a vast overstep': Trump's latest executive order limits what can be deemed as race and sex discrimination. Civil-rights lawyers say Trump's executive order will make it more difficult for students and employees to file complaints with OCR over systemic discrimination. chroni.cl/42O6NlX
Trump Just Made It Even More Difficult to Accuse Colleges of Systemic Sexism and Racism
An executive order regarding disparate impact is a “vast overstep” and will likely face legal challenges, civil-rights lawyers say.
chroni.cl
April 28, 2025 at 5:35 PM
'This is a vast overstep': Trump's latest executive order limits what can be deemed as race and sex discrimination. Civil-rights lawyers say Trump's executive order will make it more difficult for students and employees to file complaints with OCR over systemic discrimination. chroni.cl/42O6NlX
Reposted by Jasper Smith
If you're an NSF grantee who receives notice of cancellation per today's announcement, please get in touch here or via Signal mzahneis.09.
April 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
If you're an NSF grantee who receives notice of cancellation per today's announcement, please get in touch here or via Signal mzahneis.09.
Reposted by Jasper Smith
The Education Dept. Wants to End DEI. Does It Have the Staff? by @jasperjsmith.bsky.social www.chronicle.com/article/ed-d...
The Education Dept. Wants to End DEI. Does It Have the Staff?
Watchdogs expect longer delays on their complaints.
www.chronicle.com
April 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The Education Dept. Wants to End DEI. Does It Have the Staff? by @jasperjsmith.bsky.social www.chronicle.com/article/ed-d...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
New from me: AAUP, Middle East Studies Association Sue Trump Administration Over ‘Ideological Deportations’ www.chronicle.com/article/aaup...
AAUP, Middle East Studies Association Sue Trump Administration Over ‘Ideological Deportations’
Immigration authorities have recently taken into custody several visa holders and legal permanent residents who were involved in pro-Palestinian campus activism.
www.chronicle.com
March 25, 2025 at 7:13 PM
New from me: AAUP, Middle East Studies Association Sue Trump Administration Over ‘Ideological Deportations’ www.chronicle.com/article/aaup...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
In signing an order to close Department of Education, President Trump called for returning authority over education to state and local officials, while punishing colleges for allegedly failing to combat antisemitism and allowing transgender athletes to compete. www.chronicle.com/article/afte...
After Cutting Half Its Staff, Trump Signs an Order Directing the Education Department to Close
But Thursday’s order also calls for continuing most of the department’s core functions, like financial aid and civil-rights enforcement. Congress would have to vote on an actual shutdown.
www.chronicle.com
March 20, 2025 at 11:11 PM
In signing an order to close Department of Education, President Trump called for returning authority over education to state and local officials, while punishing colleges for allegedly failing to combat antisemitism and allowing transgender athletes to compete. www.chronicle.com/article/afte...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
I spoke to legal scholars and people in higher ed about a question I've had for the last few days. Why isn't Columbia suing? www.chronicle.com/article/why-...
Why Hasn’t Columbia U. Sued to Protect Itself?
Legal scholars say the university would have a strong case to make if it wanted to use the courts to fight for its funding to be restored.
www.chronicle.com
March 20, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I spoke to legal scholars and people in higher ed about a question I've had for the last few days. Why isn't Columbia suing? www.chronicle.com/article/why-...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
(DOE is the Department of Energy, the Department of Education is ED)
March 20, 2025 at 5:13 PM
(DOE is the Department of Energy, the Department of Education is ED)
Reposted by Jasper Smith
Tennessee State is facing a financial shortfall and its interim president recently told lawmakers they would run out of money by May.
Now, the HBCU expects to lose at least $14.4 million in federal grant funding. www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Now, the HBCU expects to lose at least $14.4 million in federal grant funding. www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Tennessee State University to lose $14M federal grant as massive Trump cuts continue
The cut, and more uncertainty over federal grants, come as the historically Black university faces a financial shortfall.
www.tennessean.com
March 12, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Tennessee State is facing a financial shortfall and its interim president recently told lawmakers they would run out of money by May.
Now, the HBCU expects to lose at least $14.4 million in federal grant funding. www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Now, the HBCU expects to lose at least $14.4 million in federal grant funding. www.tennessean.com/story/news/e...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
Reposted by Jasper Smith
I had the privilege to produce the photos for @jasperjsmith.bsky.social's recent deep dive into the campus reaction to Dr. Ibram Kendi's new home at Howard University. Here's a few alternate images from the assignment, which included candids of Kendi at an event, and portraits of Dr. Greg Carr.
March 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
I had the privilege to produce the photos for @jasperjsmith.bsky.social's recent deep dive into the campus reaction to Dr. Ibram Kendi's new home at Howard University. Here's a few alternate images from the assignment, which included candids of Kendi at an event, and portraits of Dr. Greg Carr.
Reposted by Jasper Smith
If you want the definitive story on what the heck has happened with expulsions, protests, and arrests at Barnard over the past couple of weeks — Maya Stahl, one of our ace spring interns, has got you covered:
How Gaza Protests and Trump Threats Have Shaken Barnard College
The women’s undergraduate college at Columbia University expelled two student activists. Now it has become mired in a messy debate about discipline.
www.chronicle.com
March 9, 2025 at 10:33 PM
If you want the definitive story on what the heck has happened with expulsions, protests, and arrests at Barnard over the past couple of weeks — Maya Stahl, one of our ace spring interns, has got you covered:
Reposted by Jasper Smith
President Trump continues to threaten an executive order to shutter the Education Department. Higher education experts say the department doesn’t have to be eliminated to be weakened substantially. chroni.cl/4iurMQG
The Education Dept. Survives for Now, but Program and Staffing Cuts Cause Upheaval
Many in higher ed have expressed concern that the department doesn’t have to be eliminated to be weakened substantially.
chroni.cl
March 7, 2025 at 1:54 PM
President Trump continues to threaten an executive order to shutter the Education Department. Higher education experts say the department doesn’t have to be eliminated to be weakened substantially. chroni.cl/4iurMQG
Reposted by Jasper Smith
@jasperjsmith.bsky.social has been crushing it. Check out this MUST read:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
Can Ibram Kendi Find a New Home at Howard?
Christopher Rufo said the antiracism scholar would “no doubt find a receptive audience” at the HBCU. That hasn’t been the case so far.
www.chronicle.com
March 6, 2025 at 7:09 PM
@jasperjsmith.bsky.social has been crushing it. Check out this MUST read:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
Conservative critics said the antiracism scholar would “no doubt find a receptive audience” at Howard. But some faculty are concerned about the hire.
They worry that Kendi is using the HBCU's brand to repair his image:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
They worry that Kendi is using the HBCU's brand to repair his image:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
Can Ibram Kendi Find a New Home at Howard?
Christopher Rufo said the antiracism scholar would “no doubt find a receptive audience” at the HBCU. That hasn’t been the case so far.
www.chronicle.com
March 5, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Conservative critics said the antiracism scholar would “no doubt find a receptive audience” at Howard. But some faculty are concerned about the hire.
They worry that Kendi is using the HBCU's brand to repair his image:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
They worry that Kendi is using the HBCU's brand to repair his image:
www.chronicle.com/article/can-...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
Some exciting news for The Quad, @theassemblync.bsky.social's higher ed newsletter: We're hosting our first live event!
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
March 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Some exciting news for The Quad, @theassemblync.bsky.social's higher ed newsletter: We're hosting our first live event!
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
Reposted by Jasper Smith
If you work in higher ed and haven't had a pay raise in many years, I'd love to talk to you for a story. Please reach out here or [email protected] Thank you! 🙏
March 5, 2025 at 2:57 PM
If you work in higher ed and haven't had a pay raise in many years, I'd love to talk to you for a story. Please reach out here or [email protected] Thank you! 🙏
Reposted by Jasper Smith
A reminder to students / those working in #HigherEd - help The Chronicle report on changes to DEI practices and programs.
Has your college closed an office? Removed a website? Revised DEI messaging? Let us know here!⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Has your college closed an office? Removed a website? Revised DEI messaging? Let us know here!⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Google Forms: Sign-in
Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).
docs.google.com
March 3, 2025 at 9:19 PM
A reminder to students / those working in #HigherEd - help The Chronicle report on changes to DEI practices and programs.
Has your college closed an office? Removed a website? Revised DEI messaging? Let us know here!⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Has your college closed an office? Removed a website? Revised DEI messaging? Let us know here!⬇️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
A legal challenge to OCR’s Dear Colleague letter argues that the department’s references to discrimination are too vague, and fail to give clear indication of what programs are illegal. chroni.cl/3EVYpsh
Lawsuit Challenges Ed. Dept.’s Authority to Ban Diversity Programs, Alter Teaching on Race
The Office of Civil Rights’ guidance would have a “devastating” effect on professors’ efforts to provide viewpoint diversity and equal opportunity in the classroom, the plaintiffs argue.
chroni.cl
February 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM
A legal challenge to OCR’s Dear Colleague letter argues that the department’s references to discrimination are too vague, and fail to give clear indication of what programs are illegal. chroni.cl/3EVYpsh
Reposted by Jasper Smith
@jasperjsmith.bsky.social cuts through the clutter on the Dear Colleague letter and what it might mean for colleges @chronicle.com. #HigherEd #AcademicSky www.chronicle.com/article/ed-d...
Ed. Dept.’s Broad DEI Warning Puts College Leaders in ‘Enormously Complicated Situation’
Lawyers urge institutions to act but caution that not every diversity initiative is racially exclusive.
www.chronicle.com
February 19, 2025 at 5:04 PM
@jasperjsmith.bsky.social cuts through the clutter on the Dear Colleague letter and what it might mean for colleges @chronicle.com. #HigherEd #AcademicSky www.chronicle.com/article/ed-d...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
Can shifting attention away from race to socioeconomic status provide the kind of diversity the U. of Michigan — and others — are seeking? Some are doubtful, but the pressure is intensifying www.chronicle.com/article/iden...
After $240-Million DEI Push, U. of Michigan’s Black Enrollment Barely Budged. What Now?
The selective flagship has widely been seen as a model. A backlash could result in cuts.
www.chronicle.com
February 14, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Can shifting attention away from race to socioeconomic status provide the kind of diversity the U. of Michigan — and others — are seeking? Some are doubtful, but the pressure is intensifying www.chronicle.com/article/iden...
Reposted by Jasper Smith
What Linda McMahon didn’t say during yesterday’s hearing was at least as interesting as what she did.
I wrote about two such moments: newamerica.org/education-po...
I wrote about two such moments: newamerica.org/education-po...
The Deflections of Linda McMahon
Adam Harris examines two critical lines of questioning during Linda McMahon's Senate confirmation hearing to be Secretary of Education at the Department of Education.
newamerica.org
February 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
What Linda McMahon didn’t say during yesterday’s hearing was at least as interesting as what she did.
I wrote about two such moments: newamerica.org/education-po...
I wrote about two such moments: newamerica.org/education-po...