comparison condition is not true

[eluser]tomcode[/eluser]
Would be surprised that Your solutions work, so here's my take :

Code:

<?php

     if( $status == 'Active' || $status == 'Inactive' ) :

?>
     <td><a href='projects/change_status/{status}/{id}'>{status}</a></td>
&lt;?php

     else :

?&gt;
    <td>{status}</td>

&lt;?php

     endif;

?&gt;