Afternoon Update: Why political attacks on elite-college leaders should come as no surprise

2024 debut of our DEI-legislation tracker; judge tosses lawsuit challenging U. of California’s DEI statements; eugenicist among Gay's foes; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Afternoon Update Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. AN ERA OF CAUTION [Why Political Attacks on Elite-College Leaders Should Come as No Surprise]( By David Jesse [STORY IMAGE]( Using campuses as political foils is a tradition that goes back a couple of centuries. “Part of the tradition,” one expert said, “is to be surprised by it.” ADVERTISEMENT NEWLY UPDATED [DEI Legislation Tracker]( By Chronicle Staff [STORY IMAGE]( In the debut of this year’s tracker, we’ve added bills in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin that seek to dismantle colleges’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. ADVICE [Ask the Chair: ‘Should I Apply to Lead Other Departments?’]( By Kevin Dettmar [STORY IMAGE]( What to expect when you seek a chair’s position in a national search. FACULTY HIRING [Lawsuit Challenging U. of California’s DEI Statements Is Tossed]( A federal judge on Friday dismissed the lawsuit, which [challenged the university system’s requirement]( that applicants for faculty jobs file statements on their [commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion](. The judge did not rule on the merits of the case but said the plaintiff lacked standing to sue because he had never actually applied for the position cited in the suit. (The New York Times, The Chronicle) SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY [Scientist Cited in Push to Oust Harvard’s Claudine Gay Has Links to Eugenicists]( A Danish data scientist promoted by the right-wing activist Christopher F. Rufo and other conservatives as an expert critic of the [former Harvard president Claudine Gay]( has written several papers with a network of scholars who have been broadly criticized as eugenicists, or scientific racists. (The Guardian, The Chronicle) INTERNATIONAL [Louisiana Legislator Probes for Certain Foreign Professors at State Universities]( Rep. Charles Owen, a Republican, asked the Board of Regents for a list of professors from six countries that he identified as enemies of or threats to the United States: China, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela. Owen cited “a national-security concern” but said that he does not yet plan legislation and that he supported foreign nationals’ “coming here.” (Louisiana Illuminator) CAMPUS CUTS I [CUNY Mass Layoffs and Class Cuts Come Just Weeks Before New Semester]( In addition to [faculty layoffs]( at Queens College of the City University of New York, reported last week, CUNY’s York College has let go 75 part-time adjuncts and some nonteaching staff members, with more cuts to come, as a result of systemwide budget reductions. York has also cut 18 percent of class sections. (The City, Queens Ledger) CAMPUS CUTS II [U. of Nebraska at Lincoln Finalizes $12-Million Budget Cut Affecting 50 Positions]( According to the university’s chancellor, Rodney D. Bennett, the final cuts mirror [his initial plan]( from November. Ten of the jobs are currently open faculty posts that will not be filled. (NTV News, Lincoln Journal Star) NEWSLETTER [Sign Up for the Teaching Newsletter]( Find insights to improve teaching and learning across your campus. Delivered on Thursdays. To read this newsletter as soon as it sends, [sign up]( to receive it in your email inbox. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Virtual Events: Tune In Live INTERNATIONAL TRENDS [Raising Your International Profile]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: January 25, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. How should smaller or niche campuses such as women’s colleges and arts institutes draw overseas students, who often focus on prestige and rankings? Join us. With Support From Keystone Education Group. [Register here.]( CYBERSECURITY AND HIGHER ED [The Hidden Cyber Vulnerabilities on Campus]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: January 29, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Colleges face new cybersecurity threats beyond phishing scams and ransomware attacks. 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