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** Weekly Update
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A newsletter from The Hechinger Report
Sponsored by:
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In this week's edition: A university president resigns under pressure from the Trump administration over the school’s diversity practices ([link removed]) . A U.S. Supreme Court decision siding with parents who want to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ content could have widespread implications ([link removed]) . Plus, a growing number of states and cities turn down federal funding for summer meals ([link removed]) .
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[A statue of Thomas Jefferson in front of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. Credit: Norm Shafer/The Washington Post/Getty Images]
** ‘A dark day for higher education’
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The University of Virginia describes itself as a place where “differing perspectives not only coexist, they co-create.” It’s a sentiment that may no longer ring true at the prestigious public university, and, potentially, all of higher education.
Today, the venerable research institution created by Thomas Jefferson suddenly finds itself in big trouble, its mission and independence threatened by the Trump administration’s demands to weaken its diversity, equity and inclusion programs or risk losing millions of dollars in federal funding.
James E. Ryan, the university’s ninth president, resigned under pressure last week, part of a settlement with the Justice Department into ending the school’s diversity practices. His resignation is among the many signals that we are in a new and unprecedented era for higher education, traditionally a bastion for freedom of thought and speech. It likely marks the first time the federal government has pushed a university to remove its leader.
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Get smart about New York schools at City & State’s Education in New York Summit: Shaping Tomorrow’s Schools Through Innovation ([link removed]) on August 14. Curious about our keynote speakers? Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner, NYS Dept. of Education, & Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor, NYC Public Schools are both on the line-up!
Register now. ([link removed])
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** Everyday lessons in K-12 schools could be affected by Supreme Court ruling
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In a decision that could have widespread implications for everyday lessons and activities in public schools, the Supreme Court on Friday sided with a group of Maryland parents who said they wanted to be able to opt their children out of reading story books featuring LGBTQ+ themes and characters.
The 6-3 opinion in Mahmoud v. Taylor, written by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., said that “a government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses ‘a very real threat of undermining’ the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill.”
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** Young children may go hungry as summer begins
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Governors in 13 states reject federal funding for summer lunches.
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"If these federal proposals were to go through, we would see hunger rise in every ZIP code across the country." ([link removed])
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** Reading list
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After outcry from tribes, federal agency scales back tribal school choice plan ([link removed])
President Donald Trump’s order expanding school choice to Indian Country met resistance from parents and educators who worried it would undermine tribal sovereignty
Tracking Trump: His actions to dismantle the Education Department, and more ([link removed])
The president is working to eliminate the Education Department and fighting ‘woke’ ideology in schools. A week-by-week look at what he’s done
OPINION: Black youth believe in their ability to make change, but our schools aren’t helping them ([link removed])
Our education system continues to under-deliver for the very students most committed to improving their communities and our democracy
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** Talk to us about Tuition Tracker
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Our Tuition Tracker website helps students, parents and educators research the true cost of a college degree. This interactive tool is used in thousands of classrooms nationwide.
We know this website has value — and we are committed to keeping this tool free for all to use. Help us make TuitionTracker.org ([link removed]) even better by filling out this short survey ([link removed]) . A few minutes of your time will make a difference in the lives of young people. (Extra credit: Share the website and survey link with a friend!)
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