Jeremy W. Peters

There are signs that society is moving away from the progressive left’s often strict expectations about how to discuss culture and politics.

At three colleges, there were snacks, big screens and homework assignments. But energy and enthusiasm were sparse — and by the end, even more so.

Voters said the vice president talked about a sweeping vision to fix the country’s most stubborn problems. But they wanted the fine print.

Vice President Kamala Harris has lit a fire among loyal Democrats. But many voters still want to know more about what she stands for.

The case put the legal group on the spot for taking positions on free speech and workers’ rights that seemed at odds with its mission.

Even as Trump plays up racial divisions, many Americans said they would rather not dwell on race or identity. “We can all see that you’re Black.”

Harvard and M.I.T. no longer require applicants for teaching jobs to explain how they would serve underrepresented groups. Other schools may follow.

At pro-Palestinian demonstrations, students have broken codes of conduct and, sometimes, the law. But the question of whether and how to discipline them is vexing universities.

At pro-Palestinian demonstrations, students have broken codes of conduct and, sometimes, the law. But the question of whether and how to discipline them is vexing universities.

Many officials may be confronting federal investigations, disputes over student discipline — and the prospect that the protests start all over again in the fall.