A professor was fired for her politics. Is that the future of academia?
The traditional protections of academic freedom are no longer holding.
The New York Times Magazine
June 8, 2025

On the cover this week: Sarah Viren on the declining protections of academic freedom, told through the story of Maura Finkelstein, a tenured professor at Muhlenberg College fired for her political opinions.

A college-style sweatshirt that says “academic freedom” instead of the name of a school.
Photo illustration by Justin Metz

FEATURES

Maura Finkelstein sitting on a brown leather couch at her home in Brooklyn with a kaffiyeh draped around her neck.

Stefan Ruiz for The New York Times

A Professor Was Fired for Her Politics. Is That the Future of Academia?

Maura Finkelstein is one of many scholars discovering that the traditional protections of academic freedom are no longer holding.

By Sarah Viren

Paula sits on a bed with three pillows behind her back, propping her up. She has long dark hair, is wearing blue and white pajamas and has a bandage on her right forearm. Her right hand is wiping away tears.

Oliver Farshi for The New York Times

Do Patients Without a Terminal Illness Have the Right to Die?

Paula Ritchie wasn’t dying, but under Canada’s new rules, she qualified for a medically assisted death. Was that kindness or cruelty?

By Katie Engelhart

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Alexander Coggin for The New York Times

The Restaurant Where Trump Acolytes Go to See and Be Seen

Right-wing insiders, caviar bumps and protests at Butterworth’s, a new Capitol Hill restaurant.

By Robert Draper

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Kristine Potter for The New York Times

In the Age of the Algorithm, Roots Music Is Rising

Streaming services are helping revive America’s most old-fashioned, undigital genre.

By Carlo Rotella

A round side table holds a vase of flowers, a pillar candle, a Bible and an old-fashioned analog alarm clock with bells.

Oliver Farshi for The New York Times

Five Things to Know About Assisted Dying in Canada

Canada’s MAID law, which expanded the right to die to people without a terminal illness, raises ethical and medical dilemmas.

By Katie Engelhart

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