Texas Tech University has implemented new restrictions on classroom instruction concerning race, gender, and sexual orientation, mirroring recent actions at Texas A&M. The policy, initiated by Chancellor Brandon Creighton, prohibits teaching six race- and sex-related concepts and mandates board review of LGBTQ+-related course content. These restrictions were preceded by Senate Bill 37, which directs boards of regents to review course content. These changes follow a controversy at Texas A&M that led to administrative demotions, a firing, and a resignation due to content deemed inconsistent with school guidelines.
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During a virtual appearance at the National Catholic Youth Conference, Pope Leo XIV shared words of wisdom with students on the limitations of artificial intelligence. He cautioned against relying on AI for tasks like homework, emphasizing that it lacks human elements like judgment and wonder. The Pope also stressed the importance of critical thinking and responsible AI usage to foster genuine human growth. He concluded by reminding students that AI cannot replace their unique value.
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Expanding educational ties, Russia has accepted 96 North Korean students to universities last year, including MGIMO, and enrolled 29 in geology programs this year. Collaboration extends across sectors like banking, energy, medicine, and geology, with Russia constructing a language center in North Korea. These actions reflect growing relations, further strengthened by North Korean military and cyber support, and increased tourism since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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Democratic candidates gained ground in school board elections, countering Republican messaging on issues like book bans and transgender policies. The wins, which took place across multiple states, suggest a shift away from the conservative focus on cultural clashes. These results were partially driven by voter concerns such as the economy and school safety. Liberal groups that supported the candidates plan to expand their efforts in preparation for the next round of school board elections.
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The Department of Education, under the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has excluded nursing from the definition of a “professional degree,” which could limit student nurses’ access to crucial funding. This decision, eliminating Grad PLUS loans and capping borrowing amounts for graduate students, has raised alarm among nursing organizations, who claim it will harm patient care. Despite concerns over the impact on an already strained nursing workforce, the Education Department dismissed criticisms, citing a consistent definition of professional degrees. This exclusion also affects other fields, while programs like theology are still deemed “professional,” raising questions about the criteria.
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Following the resignation of Oklahoma’s anti-LGBTQ+ Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, the Rainbow Youth Project observed a 36% decrease in crisis calls from the state. Prior to Walters’ departure, the hotline received an average of 1,431 monthly calls, with 64% of callers identifying him as a source of distress. This drop in calls comes after a period where calls surged, particularly following the death of a transgender student, and when many calls concerned bullying incidents related to anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Notably, Walters’ tenure was marked by controversial actions, including attempts to implement Christian Nationalist policies and measures seen as harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
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Former Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is no longer in office, but his impact on the state’s schools is still being felt. His successor, Lindel Fields, has begun reversing Walters’ controversial policies, including the mandatory presence of Trump Bibles in classrooms and the requirement for teachers to take a PragerU-developed “woke test.” Fields clarified that Bibles are still accessible to students through various means, and the America First test is not a teacher certification requirement. Furthermore, the new superintendent is reviewing some state testing and social studies curriculum standards implemented during Walters’ tenure.
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Following a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, UC San Diego’s Black Alumni Scholarship Fund has been rebranded and opened to all students, regardless of race. The lawsuit, filed by students and a right-leaning nonprofit, argued that the fund violated laws, including the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. The plaintiffs claimed the university was illegally using a private entity to discriminate. The scholarship, now named the Goins Alumni Scholarship Fund, had previously been exclusive to Black students.
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Education Secretary Linda McMahon suggested the federal government shutdown highlights the potential dispensability of her agency. This comment came after the Education Department initiated layoffs impacting offices crucial for special education and civil rights. McMahon noted that despite the shutdown, schools continue to function with teachers receiving pay and students attending classes as usual. The Secretary’s remarks indicate a critical perspective on the necessity and efficiency of the department.
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John Q. Hosedrinker