Academe Today

Eyewitness to a Title IX Witch Trial

Northwestern University’s prosecution of Peter Ludlow was a purification ritual dressed up as a civilized hearing.

Faculty

Wayne State’s Move to Strip 5 Professors of Tenure Sparks Unease About a Broader Threat

The Michigan university is seeking to deal with medical-school professors who its president says are abusing the system. Other faculty members are wary.

Athletics

Victim in Vanderbilt Rape Case Is Shocked That a Suspect Is Speaking on Campuses

The suspect, who has pleaded not guilty and faces trial in June, has been part of a presentation for athletes on sexual-assault awareness and prevention.

Research

As Marches Approach, Science Advocates Warn Universities to Prepare for Backlash

Scientists and social scientists feel compelled to play a more public role in defending the value of their work. But that comes with risks — and institutions and disciplinary groups need to do more to prepare, say some leaders in the field.

The Ticker

Anti-Clinton Lawyer Apparently Is Tapped for Key Civil-Rights Post

The lawyer, Candice Jackson, reportedly will temporarily lead the Education Department office that has led federal oversight of how colleges deal with sexual assault.

The Chronicle Review

In the Post-Truth Era, Colleges Must Share Their Knowledge

This intellect-imperiled age demands that colleges offer open access.

Advice

Recommendation Inflation

Recommendation letters don't generally reflect candid professional judgments, but here are some tips on making them at least a little more helpful.

Lingua Franca

The Empathy Effect

Does reading literary fiction contribute to an outcome woefully lacking in American political life? Lucy Ferriss examines two researchers' claim that it does.