Higher education is under fire—from attacks on DEI to threats against research funding, political pressure is mounting fast. While headlines often focus on elite and Ivy League schools, Professor Cecilia Orphan reminds us that regional public universities and rural institutions are also in the crosshairs. These essential but often-overlooked institutions serve diverse student bodies, support regional infrastructure, and anchor local communities. Orphan traces the roots of today's political backlash and makes the case that if colleges want to keep serving the public good, they'll need to get organized and push back, together.

For more on this topic:

• Read Orphan's report on regional public universities in Third Way, co-authored with Mac Wetherbee.

• Read her key findings brief, Why Regional Comprehensive Universities are Vital Parts of U.S. Higher Education.