JOBS AND EDUCATION
Why Trump’s target on US universities is about more than education—it’s part of a larger plan to reshape American society and recapture culture – The Times of India
Recently, the Trump administration has made a concerted effort to target US universities, focusing particularly on issues of free speech, diversity, and political ideologies in academia. This initiative is not simply about education or campus life, but part of a broader vision to reshape American society and recapture cultural control. A couple of years ago, conservative writer Christopher Rufo traveled to Budapest for a fellowship, where he was greeted by Hungary’s then-minister of culture and innovation, János Csák. Despite Hungary’s relatively small population and economic challenges, Rufo believed it offered important lessons for the US He saw similarities between the two countries, both facing cultural decline, left-wing institutions, and challenges to traditional values. However, unlike the US, Hungary had a plan. As reported by The Atlantic, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary was employing “muscular state policy” to reverse cultural decay, with a major focus on reshaping its universities. Rufo believed this could be a model for similar cultural shifts in the US through a conservative approach to higher education.
Rufo’s approach has involved putting pressure on major institutions like Columbia University, leading to intense investigations into claims of anti-Semitism and other issues. However, these actions are not just about addressing specific instances of discrimination or promoting free speech—they are part of a much broader goal to fundamentally alter the higher education landscape in America. By leveraging federal funding and policy changes, the Trump administration is pushing universities to adopt more conservative frameworks, with significant implications for academic freedom, curriculum design, and student life.
The push to control US universities
According to the Atlantic, the Trump administration’s moves against institutions like Columbia are not typical cases of regulatory oversight. Instead of following the standard process of conducting thorough investigations over months or even years, the Department of Education has quickly moved to suspend significant amounts of federal funding from schools under investigation, including the $400 million removal from Columbia within days. The quick and aggressive response, as detailed by the Atlantic, seems designed to send a clear message to other universities: comply with conservative ideological shifts, or risk severe financial penalties.
This strategy has been described as an attempt to “scare” other institutions into compliance. As explained by Adam Harris in his interview with the Atlantic, the removal of funding from major universities is not necessarily about the specific actions at Columbia, but about setting a precedent that will force other schools to adjust their policies in order to avoid similar scrutiny. “Once you start restricting speech in one manner, that sort of means you can restrict speech in a lot of different spaces,” Harris noted, adding that this could affect a range of activities on campus, from protests to classroom discussions. This process resembles historical efforts to suppress dissent, such as those seen during the civil rights era, when Southern governors threatened to withhold funding from colleges that allowed sit-ins or protests.
Creating a new conservative elite
The broader goal of this campaign appears to be the creation of a new conservative intellectual elite. As reported by the Atlantic, the ultimate vision for conservative leaders is to establish educational environments that produce individuals who align with traditional values—specifically, Christian faith, family life, and limited government intervention. This is not just about reshaping academic policy but about producing a new generation of leaders who embrace these ideals and challenge the liberal educational consensus that has shaped US universities for decades.
Rufo, who has been a vocal advocate for these changes, has pointed to institutions like Hillsdale College and the College of the Ozarks as examples of what the new conservative elite should look like. These schools, as noted by the Atlantic, have embraced a curriculum that emphasizes patriotic education, military training, and a deep connection to traditional American values. At the College of the Ozarks, for example, students are required to take a patriotic-education course that blends current events with the founding documents of the US, alongside a focus on military discipline.
While these conservative schools are not large in number, their influence is growing. Rufo, as quoted by the Atlantic, argued that these institutions represent the future, contrasting them with elite universities like Harvard, which he believes have lost their way. The success of these smaller schools in cultivating a specific ideological worldview is seen as a model for how the broader university system could shift in the future.
The role of federal funding in shaping university policy
The influence of federal funding on university decision-making is a critical aspect of this effort. US universities are highly dependent on federal dollars, from research grants to financial aid for students. For institutions that rely heavily on tuition, federal funding in the form of student loans and Pell Grants is essential to keeping their operations running. A loss of funding, especially from Title IV, which governs federal student aid programs, could lead to a rapid financial collapse for many colleges.
This was demonstrated when the Department of Education suspended $400 million in funding from Columbia University, forcing the institution to reconsider its policies and actions. Smaller schools, particularly those that rely more on federal support, are also vulnerable to such threats. As the Atlantic reports, the removal of funding is not always tied directly to specific incidents of discrimination but is rather part of a larger strategy to pressure universities into compliance with conservative ideologies. For many colleges, the prospect of losing federal funding is enough to make them reconsider policies on diversity, inclusion, and speech—sometimes leading to self-censorship.
The chilling effect on academic freedom
One of the most concerning outcomes of this strategy is the potential for a chilling effect on academic freedom. As Harris notes, universities are already beginning to restrict themselves in anticipation of federal pushback. For example, when a “Dear Colleague” letter was issued by the administration urging schools to limit the use of race in scholarships, hiring, and faculty committees, some institutions began to self-censor, removing terms and concepts related to diversity from course materials and presentations. High Point University, as reported by the Atlantic, even sent out a letter instructing faculty to eliminate over 40 words related to diversity and inclusion from their materials.
This self-censorship, which is increasingly seen in response to both federal and state-level pressures, poses a serious threat to the principles of shared governance, academic freedom, and open inquiry. As universities worry about losing funding, they may begin to prioritize political correctness and ideological conformity over academic exploration and intellectual diversity.
A long-term cultural shift?
While the full impact of these changes remains to be seen, the long-term goal is clear: to reshape American higher education to produce a more conservative, patriotic, and ideologically aligned elite. The attack on US universities is not simply about addressing specific issues like anti-Semitism or political correctness; it is part of a larger cultural project to reassert traditional values and rewrite the educational system in a way that supports those values. As the Atlantic reports, the Trump administration and its supporters are working to create a new framework for higher education—one where conservative values are central, and academic freedom takes a backseat to ideological conformity.
This push to reshape American universities may not be an immediate process, but its long-term implications could fundamentally change the way higher education in the US operates, producing a generation of students who align more closely with conservative ideals. Whether or not this vision comes to fruition will depend on the response of university leaders and how far the Trump administration is willing to go in its efforts to reshape the cultural and intellectual landscape of the country.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: DMRC invites applications for security inspector posts, salary up to Rs 59,800 – The Times of India
Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced a recruitment drive for the post of Security Inspector, offering a lucrative salary package and a streamlined selection process without a written examination. The official notification has been released on DMRC’s website, detailing eligibility, selection criteria, and the application procedure for interested candidates.
This recruitment initiative is especially significant for experienced personnel from the Delhi Police force, as DMRC seeks to utilise their expertise in field operations. The application process is currently underway, and eligible candidates can apply on or before May 8, 2025. Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and other instructions before submitting their applications.
Eligibility criteria rooted in policing experience
Candidates applying for the post must either be currently working in or retired from the Delhi Police, holding the position of Sub-Inspector or Inspector. In addition to this, applicants should have accumulated diverse experience over the past five years in roles such as Assistant Sub-Inspector, Sub-Inspector, or Inspector, specifically in field assignments like police stations or traffic departments.
It is imperative that candidates are free from any Departmental and Vigilance (D&AR) issues. Those who are still in regular service will also be considered eligible for the post, provided they choose to voluntarily retire — either through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) or by other means — before joining DMRC.
Age limit and salary structure
The age criteria for this post specify that candidates must be at least 55 years old and not exceed 62 years of age. However, age relaxation shall be granted to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per applicable rules.
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly salary ranging from Rs 51,100 to Rs 59,800. The absence of a written examination is a key feature of this recruitment process, as candidates will be shortlisted and called directly for an interview based on their qualifications and experience.
Application process and important details
Applicants must submit their applications in the prescribed format, along with all required documents. The completed forms should be sent to the following address:
Executive Director (Human Resources),
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited,
Metro Bhawan, Fire Brigade Lane, Barakhambha Road,
New Delhi – 110001
Read the official notification here
For complete details regarding the recruitment, eligibility, and application format, candidates are encouraged to visit the official DMRC website and review the recruitment notification directly via the provided link.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
NEET UG 2025 exam city intimation slip released on neet.nta.nic.in, admit card expected by May 1: Check direct link here – The Times of India
NEET UG city intimation slip 2025 out: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the Advance City Intimation Slip for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025, a crucial step for over 23 lakh medical aspirants preparing for the undergraduate medical entrance exam. The slip, available as of April 23, 2025, informs candidates of their allotted exam city, enabling them to plan travel and accommodation logistics. The NEET UG 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and the admit card is expected to be released by May 1, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates, exam details, and more.
The NEET UG 2025 City Intimation Slip was made available on the official NTA website, neet.nta.nic.in, on April 23, 2025, earlier than the anticipated date of April 26. Candidates can download the slip by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The slip specifies the exam city but does not include the exact exam center address, which will be detailed in the admit card. This advance notification helps candidates, especially those assigned centers far from home, arrange travel plans well in advance. The exam will be conducted across 552 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, totaling 566 exam cities, with approximately 5,000 exam centers.
Admit Card Release Date
The NEET UG 2025 admit card is slated for release on or before May 1, 2025, as confirmed by the NTA. Candidates can download it from neet.nta.nic.in using their application number and date of birth or password. The admit card is a mandatory document for exam entry, containing critical details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center address, reporting time, and exam day guidelines. Aspirants are advised to verify all details on the admit card and contact the NTA helpline immediately if discrepancies are found. The admit card will also be emailed to candidates’ registered IDs.
Exam Timings, Shifts, and Mode
NEET UG 2025 will be conducted on May 4, 2025, in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST, with a duration of 3 hours. Candidates must report to their exam centers by 1:30 PM, as late entries will not be permitted. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper (offline) mode, featuring 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Unlike previous years, the 2025 exam reverts to the pre-Covid format, eliminating optional questions. The test will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Assamese.
Direct link to download the NEET UG city intimation slip 2025
Approximate Participation
NEET UG remains India’s largest undergraduate medical entrance exam, with an estimated 23 lakh candidates expected to participate in 2025. This number is slightly lower than the 24 lakh registrations in 2024, though the NTA has not released official figures. The exam facilitates admission to over 1 lakh MBBS seats, 27,618 BDS seats, 52,720 AYUSH seats, and other medical courses across 612 medical and 315 dental colleges in India, including 1,899 AIIMS and 249 JIPMER seats.
Key Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must carry a printed admit card, a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN card), and a passport-sized photograph matching the one uploaded during registration. The city intimation slip is not a substitute for the admit card and cannot be used for exam entry. Aspirants are advised to visit their exam center a day prior to familiarize themselves with the location and avoid last-minute hassles. Prohibited items include electronic devices, and candidates must adhere to the NTA’s dress code and exam day guidelines.
Next Steps
Following the exam, the NTA will release provisional answer keys in the fourth week of May 2025, with results expected by June 14, 2025. Counseling for All India Quota and state quota seats will commence in July 2025, managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state authorities, respectively. Candidates are urged to stay updated via neet.nta.nic.in and prepare diligently for the exam, which remains a gateway to prestigious medical institutions across India.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Tennessee legislature adjourns after passing DEI restrictions – The Times of India
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model. Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
From representation to “qualification”
Lawmakers also gave final approval to a companion bill barring public agencies, including higher education institutions, from making hiring decisions based on an individual’s race, ethnicity, sex, or age. Instead, agencies must rely solely on “merit,” “qualifications,” veteran status, or lawful eligibility. The law repositions Tennessee firmly within a growing conservative ideology that views demographic consideration as antithetical to fairness.
A policy echo of Trump-era ideology
The Tennessee legislation is not occurring in a vacuum. It mirrors initiatives launched under President Donald Trump, whose administration sought to link the distribution of federal funds to the exclusion of DEI policies. That precedent laid the groundwork for state-level action—Tennessee now becomes a key player in actualizing that agenda.
Boards to lose identity-based representation
Beyond hiring practices, the new laws strike directly at identity-based governance structures. Requirements that certain public boards maintain racial, gender, or age representation have been deleted. Critics argue this strips underrepresented communities of vital political visibility; proponents counter that appointments should be blind to personal characteristics and based on perceived competence alone.
Opposition raises alarm bells
Civil rights advocates and education leaders have condemned the bills, warning they will reverse decades of effort to correct systemic inequalities. Others fear the chilling effect these moves could have on recruitment, retention, and morale within public service sectors.
Higher education in the crosshairs
Public universities—long champions of diversity offices and equity initiatives—are now under pressure to restructure or eliminate these arms. The University of Tennessee system and others will be forced to reexamine staff positions, student programs, and scholarship criteria that once relied on DEI frameworks.
A new conservative doctrine emerges
Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature closed its session Tuesday by pushing through a decisive set of bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a crescendo of conservative policymaking, lawmakers dismantled long-standing frameworks meant to bolster representation in government and higher education, replacing them with a strict meritocratic model.
DEI programs dismantled statewide
Central to the legislative finale was a bill that directly targets the infrastructure of DEI. The measure orders the dissolution of state and local offices tasked with promoting diversity, mandates the elimination of identity-based criteria for board appointments, and instructs the removal of demographic benchmarks in employment policies across public institutions.
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