The Justice Department announced an investigation on March 26, 2025, into whether Stanford University, along with other Californian higher education institutions, violated a Supreme Court decision banning race-conscious admissions, reflecting a broader Trump administration initiative against progressive policies in California.

Investigations reveal that Stanford football coach Troy Taylor engaged in persistent bullying and discriminatory behavior towards female athletic staffers. The reports indicate a failure in maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment, raising concerns about the university's commitment to ethical labor practices.

Graduate workers at Stanford University secured a historic first contract on November 22, 2024, after a prolonged struggle against the university's longstanding practices of demeaning and undervaluing labor. The event highlights Stanford's oppressive labor practices, including stalling negotiations, discriminatory work environments, and attempts to restrict free speech on campus.

Stanford University has ratified a new contract with its Graduate Workers Union, which includes significant wage increases, enhanced labor protections, and measures against workplace harassment. The agreement, hailed as a historic victory by union leadership, marks a milestone in labor rights at the institution.

Analysis of the 2024 election cycle reveals that Stanford-affiliated individuals have contributed overwhelmingly to Democratic candidates and PACs, with over 96% of donations favoring groups traditionally opposed to authoritarian policies. While Stanford University itself does not make these contributions, the political leanings of its community signal a broader institutional culture that resists fascist tendencies.

The Re:Structure Lab at Stanford University has received significant funding from organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Humanity United Action, and the Freedom Fund. This funding supports its mission to combat forced labor, exploitation, and modern slavery in global supply chains through evidence‐based research and policy recommendations, thereby strengthening labor rights and ethical business practices.

Stanford University, through its Oceans Solutions initiative, is tackling the intertwined crises of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and associated labor abuses such as forced labor, debt bondage, and human trafficking. This effort aims to mobilize interdisciplinary policy solutions against exploitation and uphold human rights.