Universities Face Funding Cuts Over Foreign Ties; GCSE Resits Harm Student Wellbeing

The Pentagon has issued a directive threatening to cut federal funding to thirty U.S. universities, including prominent institutions like Harvard and Yale, if they do not review and sever foreign academic partnerships deemed a national security risk. This directive, largely targeting ties with Chinese institutions, requires universities to report on their reviews and end problematic partnerships by August 31st.

In parallel, a study by University College London researchers has found that mandatory GCSE resits for teenagers in England negatively impact their mental wellbeing. The research indicates that repeated exam attempts can lower student confidence and increase the risk of dropping out, a phenomenon not observed in Wales and Northern Ireland where resits are not compulsory. This comes as the academic world also grapples with controversies surrounding hiring practices and student protests against high-profile speakers at graduation ceremonies.