Afternoon Update: Colleges must set up a whole new bureaucracy to comply with Republicans’ anti-DEI laws

Joking around helps us live together; retention hit a high last year; president is fired "with cause"; charges dropped against protesters; 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](. 'COMPLIANCE U' [Colleges Must Set Up a Whole New Bureaucracy to Comply With Republicans’ Anti-DEI Laws]( By Maggie Hicks [STORY IMAGE]( In Republican-controlled states, lawmakers are leaning on legalese and intimidation to stamp out diversity efforts in public higher ed. ADVERTISEMENT [Colleges Must Set Up a Whole New Bureaucracy to Comply With Republicans’ Anti-DEI Laws]( THE REVIEW | ESSAY [Joking Around Helps Us to Live Together]( By Ben Wurgaft [STORY IMAGE]( The philosophy of wisecracks. TEACHING [Remembering What It’s Like to Be a Student]( By Beckie Supiano [STORY IMAGE]( Readers share how learning a new skill has improved their teaching. ENROLLMENT [First-Year Persistence and Retention Rates Hit Decade High Last Year, Data Show]( The rates, for both freshmen and all students, are the highest they have been in a decade, according to a [report]( out today from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The improvements were seen at almost all types of colleges, as higher ed emerged from the pandemic. (Higher Ed Dive) LEADERSHIP [Hudson Valley Community College’s President Is Fired ‘With Cause’]( Trustees of the college, part of the State University of New York, voted on Tuesday to dismiss Roger A. Ramsammy, a longtime educator and administrator, citing a complaint that led to his being [placed on leave]( in May. The board shared no details about the complaint, and the woman who filed it has not commented publicly. Ramsammy’s lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. (Times Union) CAMPUS SAFETY [Criminal Charges Are Dropped Against 79 Arrested at U. of Texas at Austin Protest]( The county attorney cited insufficient evidence to prove trespassing charges against pro-Palestinian protesters, most of them [not affiliated with UT]( who were arrested on April 29, after [confrontations with law enforcement]( that [hit many campuses]( at the time. Other charges are still pending, the attorney said. The university said it was “deeply disappointed.” (Austin American-Statesman, The Chronicle) UPCOMING PROGRAM [The Chronicle's Library and Institutional Success Program | July 2024] The Chronicle is partnering with Ithaka S+R to host a brand new [professional development program for librarians]( in July. This innovative two-week program will help library leaders understand the many roles they might take on, boost the success of the campus library, and better align with their institution’s goals. Learn more about our seminars and workshops, and [register today]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Virtual Events: Tune In Live AI IN HIGHER ED [How to Develop a Chatbot to Serve Your Students]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: July 17, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Colleges are already seeing improved enrollment and retention with chatbots, but many higher-ed leaders still wonder where to begin. Join us to learn how to get started. With Support From AWS. [Register here.]( ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Overcoming Student Loneliness - The Chronicle Store]( [Overcoming Student Loneliness]( Students are especially vulnerable to loneliness, which can be difficult to measure and hard to combat. [Order this report]( for expert insights to foster stronger social connections on your campus. JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Search jobs on The Chronicle job board]( [Find Your Next Role Today]( Whether you are actively or passively searching for your next career opportunity, The Chronicle is here to support you throughout your job search. Get started now by [exploring 30,000+ openings]( or [signing up for job alerts](. NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK [Please let us know what you thought of today's newsletter in this three-question survey](. This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2024 [The Chronicle of Higher Education]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037