Here are a few of the most important news stories you need to know from the past week.
For the last decade, AALS has kept the legal academy and supporters informed with our weekly Legal Education News Digest and Blogs Digest. These digests track important developments in legal education, the legal profession, and higher education on the federal level. They also highlight new programs, collaborations between schools, milestones, faculty accomplishments, awards, clinical activities, and conferences/events. Sign up to receive these digests by email.
Law schools can share news and updates with the editors of the weekly digest here.
AALS Legal Education News Digest – Week Ending February 6, 2025
AALS Legal Education Blogs Digest – Week Ending February 6, 2025
Top stories from the past week include:
- After University of Arkansas Law rescinded a dean offer to a candidate for her prior signing of an amicus brief supporting transgender rights, more than 175 law professors from across the country have signed a letter protesting the decision. (Law.com)
- The Utah legislature is conducting a study to find the feasibility of opening a third law school in the state to make sure there are enough lawyers to support its growing population. Lawmakers are currently eyeing Utah Valley University to host the third law school. (ABA Journal)
Higher Education
- A study by the Postsecondary Education and Economics Research Center has found that only 62% of graduate students earned a degree within six years or less. While graduate completion rates are rising, experts worry that the rate could decrease with financial burdens due to changes in federal loans as well as cuts to university funding. (Inside Higher Ed)
- The Trump Administration has signed an education bill into law fully funding the US Department of Education. The bill will provide support to research grants and critical resources in public education. Some advocates are celebrating this bill as it will secure funding for programs (and the agency itself) that were previously under the threat of cuts. (Higher Ed Dive)
- State and federal agencies are pressuring universities and increasing the surveillance and monitoring of professors as part of political attacks on higher education. Some states are requiring professors to post their course outlines publicly in searchable databases. Educational experts warn that requiring the public posting of syllabi will only bring more political attacks to schools. (The New York Times)
Law School Programs, Clinics and Milestones
- Baylor Law to host People’s Law School event to teach the public about legal education. (Baylor University)
- University of Hawai’i Law wellness fund aims to help students access basic needs. (Hawai’i Public Radio)
- Michigan State University Law clinic aims to address rural legal shortage. (Keweenaw Report)
- USC Gould Law Housing Law and Policy Clinic win federal court ruling to preserve tenant protections. (USC Gould School of Law)