Divisive protests, police crackdowns, and a chilling backlash against free speech are among the reasons that a growing number of students say they don’t feel welcome on some college campuses. Conflicts over abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and DEI, as well as what can and can’t be taught in classrooms are stirring up campus life against the backdrop of a contentious presidential election. A majority of students say abortion laws and restrictions around the discussion of race and gender would have at least some effect on where they go to college, according to Gallup polling. The same polls also find that some students at four-year universities feel as if they don’t belong or disrespected.

Students on the left and right alike say they’re increasingly reluctant to express controversial opinions, but that it’s okay to report on classmates or faculty who do. That’s why we’re exploring the politics of higher education this season. College has become a new battleground in the culture wars, and it's affecting where students enroll and what they’re learning. Learn more from the Hechinger Report's College Welcome Guide!

College Uncovered Season 3 is coming! First episode drops on Thursday, September 12th.

In our first two seasons, GBH and The Hechinger Report explored the business of college admissions and paying for your education.

Now we’re back with a special election year season, helping you navigate the politics of American colleges and universities.

College Uncovered is hosted by Kirk Carapezza and Jon Marcus, journalists with decades of experience who specialize in covering higher education in the U.S. They offer students and their families an unvarnished look at a uniquely American system, so YOU can make fully informed choices.

One episode will drop weekly and will be available wherever you listen to podcasts.

The essay is a vital piece in the college application puzzle; portraying the strengths and challenges of aspiring high school students. In this bonus episode of "College Uncovered," Tayana Antoine describes for the producers of the "Dear College" podcast, the similarities between a teen mom and an older sister. How her dual role as caretaker for her siblings and maturing adult sometimes can clash but also brings her much delight.

Learn more about the Dear College podcast here: www.dearcollegepodcast.org