A new report has warned that academic freedom in the United States is under unprecedented pressure. The findings highlight actions by the federal government that threaten universities, scholars, and students. Experts say that the US, long a global leader in higher education, is now setting a concerning example for dismantling academic freedom.
The study counted about 40 attacks on academic freedom in the US during the first half of 2025. These ranged from cuts to research funding to detention or attempted deportation of foreign scholars for their political views. The report also notes a surge of legislative and executive actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This represents a sharp change from prior years, when most pressure came from state or local authorities. Since January 2025, attacks have come mainly from the federal government, linked to the Trump administration’s efforts to control university admissions, research, hiring, teaching, and disciplinary processes.
The report reviewed 395 incidents affecting higher education leaders, faculty, staff, and students in 49 countries between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Globally, it recorded killings, arrests, disappearances, firings, travel bans, and administrative restrictions. Besides the US, concerning developments were reported in countries such as Bangladesh, where student protests were met with a deadly crackdown, and Serbia, where authorities threatened university funding and withheld faculty salaries.
The overall global trend is concerning. Academic freedom is shrinking faster than ever, even in democracies. Governments with autocratic tendencies are using legal and extralegal methods to limit independent thought, often targeting universities. In the US, opposition to the war in Gaza has been used as a pretext to monitor and punish students and faculty whose views conflict with the government.
Before 2023, the US averaged 15 to 20 attacks on academic freedom per year, mostly at state and local levels. Now, federal actions have increased the number of incidents dramatically. Universities previously faced political pressure over critical race theory or gender studies. Experts say the current situation is more aggressive and centrally organized. The administration has used allegations of antisemitism tied to the Palestinian conflict to justify actions that bypass normal legal processes.
The report notes that the first 75 days of the administration saw more than 30 bills affecting higher education. Executive orders eliminated diversity and gender equity programs. More than 60 universities were investigated for antisemitism without following established rules. Federal research funds were frozen, student loan caps were imposed, and Pell Grant eligibility was restricted.
Internationally, the US has restricted visas for foreign students and canceled existing visas, disrupting global education. Cuts to the US Agency for International Development have also reduced funding for research and higher education projects worldwide, including in Africa and Afghanistan. Experts warn these policies weaken America’s global role in education and research.
The executive director of the monitoring group called the situation unprecedented. He said the United States, once admired for its educational leadership, is voluntarily giving up its advantage. The report concludes that academic freedom is under severe pressure, and the US now serves as a warning for other countries.
For students, faculty, and researchers, Academic Freedom in US 2025 is under threat like never before. Experts warn that if these policies continue, the consequences will extend beyond campuses, affecting society, international collaboration, and the future of free inquiry worldwide.
