SmartBrief for the Higher Ed Leader
Monday | Universities fire employees over comments on Kirk's death | International students at risk over Kirk comments
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September 15, 2025
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SmartBrief for the Higher Ed Leader
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Hello!
 
As we start a new -- and hopefully easier -- week, the fallout from Charlie Kirk's murder continues. We also take a deep dive into climate initiatives. And, we also look at
  • A new digital library
  • New training options for special-ed teachers
  • New interest from Washington in workforce development
 
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News of the day
 
Universities fire employees over comments on Kirk's death
 
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 28: Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk stands in the back of the room as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has announced Pirro, a former Fox News personality, judge, prosecutor, and politician, after losing support in the Senate for his first choice, Ed Martin, over his views on the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
At least seven university employees have been fired or suspended for comments made about the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. The incident has led to significant backlash from conservative groups and politicians, including President Donald Trump, who has called for the dismissal of employees who disparaged Kirk. Employees from Clemson University, the University of Miami, Guilford Technical Community College and Cumberland University are among those terminated.
Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (9/12)
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International students at risk over Kirk comments
Inside Higher Ed (9/15)
 
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News from Washington
 
Trump's deal with Ivy League could benefit US trade schools
President Donald Trump's administration is pushing elite institutions like Harvard University to redirect billions toward trade schools, as part of settlements intended to resolve political bias charges and restore federal research funding. The initiative encourages investment in career and technical training, positioning vocational programs as a compromise that satisfies the White House's goals and the universities' reluctance to pay direct fines. Brown University has agreed to allocate $50 million over 10 years to workforce training in Rhode Island as part of a settlement. However, the implementation details remain unclear.
Full Story: Yahoo (9/14)
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Ark. State University advances workforce development center
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock) (9/12)
 
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Deep Dive
 
HINESBURG, VERMONT - SEPTEMBER 12: Photovoltaic panels track and rotate along the path of the sun September 12, 2025 in Hinesburg, Vermont. (Photo by Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
(Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)
University of Colorado Boulder partners on 5MW solar project
The University of Colorado Boulder has partnered with Pivot Energy to develop a 5-megawatt solar array in Weld County. The project, utilizing virtual net metering enabled by recent Colorado legislation, is expected to generate 9.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing to the university's climate action goals while remaining cost-neutral. The initiative demonstrates how universities can lead in sustainability through innovative partnerships.
Full Story: Rolling Out (9/12)
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Stormwater project coming to Kansas City University
Northeast News (Kansas City, Mo.) (9/11)
 
 
State-backed program in Ill. drives solar workforce growth
Canary Media (9/12)
 
 
Clemson scientist turns farm waste into eco-friendly fertilizer
Clemson University (9/14)
 
 
Scientists warn of unintended consequences of geoengineering
MassLive (Springfield, Mass.) (9/14)
 
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