Afternoon Update: Martha Nussbaum on where the humanities are alive and well

State-backed student aid edges up; U. of Michigan adopts new free-speech statement; two more universities settle student-aid antitrust case; 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](. THE REVIEW | ESSAY [The Humanities Are Alive and Well in Utah]( By Martha C. Nussbaum [STORY IMAGE]( Utah Valley University bucks the trends. ADVERTISEMENT THE EDGE [8 Takeaways From the Education Department’s Chief Economist]( By Goldie Blumenstyk [STORY IMAGE]( In this new post, Jordan Matsudaira marshals data and economic analyses to help shape policy and steer students toward financially sound options. LATITUDES [Russia Cracked Down on a Prominent University. Here’s What You Need to Know.]( By Karin Fischer [STORY IMAGE]( The blacklisting of Central European University reflects the polarization and politicalization of higher ed around the globe. FINANCIAL AID [State-Sponsored Student Aid Rose Slightly in 2021-22, Report Says]( But the 1-percent increase from 2020-21, to nearly $14.9 billion, was more than offset by inflation, resulting in a 6.4-percent drop in real terms, according to an annual report by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs. CAMPUS VALUES [U. of Michigan’s Board Unanimously Approves New Free-Speech Statement]( Approval of the statement by the regents, who are popularly elected as Republicans and Democrats, followed a public-comment period. The updated principles were drafted by university faculty members and officials, who said the statement emphasizes a commitment to freedom of expression and diversity of thought. (The Detroit News) STUDENT AID [2 More Universities Settle Financial-Aid Antitrust Lawsuit]( Documents indicate that Emory and Rice Universities have settled an antitrust lawsuit that accused 17 higher-education institutions of [illegally colluding to limit their financial-aid awards]( to students. The two universities joined the [University of Chicago]( and [Vanderbilt University]( which settled the case last year. (Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle, Reuters) CONSOLIDATION [U. of Redlands and Woodbury U. Announce Merger]( Under a plan described in a news release by the two private nonprofit universities in Southern California, Woodbury, the smaller institution, will be integrated into Redlands. CAMPUS CUTS I [U. of New Hampshire Lays Off 75 Faculty and Staff Members]( The layoffs are part of $14 million in cuts designed to deal with lower enrollments and higher costs. Most of the layoffs are on the university’s flagship campus, in Durham. (New Hampshire Union Leader) CAMPUS CUTS II [Layoffs at Albion College, in Michigan, Are Part of 3-Year ‘Budget Realignment’]( In addition to the seven layoffs, four open positions will not be filled. The budget cuts are intended to close what the college called “a longstanding structural deficit” that has drawn the attention of state authorities and a credit-rating agency. (The Ann Arbor News) ATHLETICS [Boston College Extends Suspension of Swim and Dive Program, and Dismisses Coaches]( The moves follow [what the college described]( as a hazing incident last September, recurrent problems in the Division I program, and a team culture that conflicts with BC’s expectations of its athletes. The program is now suspended until at least August. (The Heights, college statement) NEWSLETTER [Sign Up for the Teaching Newsletter]( Find insights to improve teaching and learning across your campus. Delivered on Thursdays. 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