Universities are meant to be places where ideas are challenged, knowledge is expanded, and students from different backgrounds can learn together. They are also environments in which young people develop their confidence, relationships, and sense of belonging. Yet discrimination can undermine these goals, leaving students feeling excluded, isolated, or unable to participate fully in academic life. India’s debate over the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations has brought these challenges into sharp focus. The regulations introduced in January 2026 were intended to strengthen mechanisms for preventing discrimination in higher education. However, the Supreme Court stayed their implementation on January 29,…