Weekly Update

_{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’

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.

Everyday lessons in K-12 schools could be affected by Supreme Court ruling

Young children may go hungry as summer begins

Governors in 13 states reject federal funding for summer lunches.

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