Welcome to Campus Minute. Today we’re talking about Brown University disciplining a student who borrowed Elon Musk’s blunt style—and even DOGE memes—to quiz staff.

On March 18, sophomore Alex Shieh sent an email to thousands of Brown administrators on behalf of The Brown Spectator, a brand-new conservative campus paper. “Please describe your role,” it began. “What tasks have you performed in the past week? How would Brown students be affected if your job didn’t exist?” His aim was to expose what critics call “bloat” in higher education, where tuition and fees now total about ninety-three thousand dollars a year.

But the questions didn’t land well. Brown’s Office of Student Conduct launched an investigation within forty-eight hours, citing possible invasion of privacy, misrepresentation and emotional or psychological harm. Shieh now faces disciplinary hearings, raising fresh debate over free speech, journalistic methods and campus power.

That’s your Campus Minute. I’m your host, signing off until next time.
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