In response to rising antisemitism and reported hate crimes, the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) board voted in favor of a resolution to combat it. The approved measure includes recognizing May as Jewish Heritage Month, displaying the Israeli flag at school facilities, promoting education on Jewish history, and designating October 7, 2023, as an annual day of remembrance. While supporters view the resolution as a crucial step to ensure safety for Jewish students, opponents argue it may blur the lines between supporting the Jewish community and the Israeli government, while also potentially overlooking the needs of other groups. BHUSD officials maintain the flag display does not represent endorsement of a government or geopolitical issues.
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A federal judge has ruled that religious colleges requiring faith statements cannot be excluded from Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options program, deeming the state law unconstitutional. The ruling, a win for two Christian colleges, overturned a 2023 law that sought to protect LGBTQ+ students by banning faith statement requirements. The judge cited First Amendment protections for religious organizations, asserting that the state cannot disqualify private schools from funding solely due to their religious affiliation. This decision also struck down a related nondiscrimination requirement.
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OK Rep. defends history cartoon claiming slavery was ‘better than being killed’ is a truly disheartening headline, isn’t it? It’s the kind of statement that makes you question the very foundations of historical understanding and basic human decency. The fact that a public official would defend a narrative that frames slavery as a preferable outcome is not just wrong, it’s a profound betrayal of the values this nation claims to hold.
It appears this defense stems from a cartoon series aimed at children, a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education and PragerU. This is particularly concerning, given the influence such content can have on young, impressionable minds.… Continue reading
Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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Following a parent’s accusation, a Florida teacher reached a settlement with the state, allowing her to retain her teaching certificate. The settlement, which included a fine and ethics course, stemmed from the teacher using a student’s preferred nickname, a practice that allegedly violated the state’s “don’t say gay” law. While the state upheld the settlement, Brevard Public Schools will not rehire the teacher, citing the probationary period. Despite the controversy and the Education Commissioner’s initial opposition, the local teachers’ union celebrated the decision, advocating for the teacher’s return to the classroom.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s impending shutdown, due to a congressional funding clawback, threatens local PBS and NPR stations. Simultaneously, the White House has partnered with PragerU, a conservative media organization, for its Founders Museum exhibit. PragerU’s educational videos, which have garnered millions of social media followers, offer a right-leaning perspective. This partnership with the White House and similar partnerships with numerous states demonstrate a strategy to disseminate PragerU’s content to a wider audience and potentially counter what they see as liberal biases in education.
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Illinois becomes the first state to require student mental health screenings.
The education system has been a witness to an astonishing amount of unseen or unreported mental health issues for years, spanning from experiences like abuse to struggles with depression. It’s a complex issue, and while this new requirement is well-intentioned, it’s understandable to have mixed feelings about it. Concerns about privacy and potential misuse of this information are definitely valid. It’s important to consider who will be conducting these screenings, whether they have the proper training and qualifications, and what kind of support will be offered after the screening.
It’s also crucial to remember that these screenings are not a cure-all.… Continue reading
In Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is under investigation after reports surfaced of a TV in his office displaying explicit images during a state board meeting. Board members witnessed the images, leading to concerns and calls for transparency. Walters’ spokesperson dismissed the incident as a fabricated claim, but the state Senate has initiated a probe into the matter. This development follows Walters’ prior efforts to ban books with sexual content from school libraries and his mandate requiring the Bible in classrooms, actions which have faced legal challenges.
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Lawrence County School System in Tennessee is implementing a new attendance policy that will no longer excuse absences with a doctor’s note. The policy aims to improve the district’s attendance rate, leading to interventions after three absences and juvenile court referrals for students missing eight or more days. Director of Schools Michael Adkins stated that regardless of doctor’s notes, absences will be considered unexcused, with exemptions for chronic illnesses and other circumstances. Parents like Rebecca Sanchez are concerned about the policy, citing that it could lead to truancy referrals even for legitimate illnesses.
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The Supreme Court has greenlit President Trump’s plan to dismantle the Education Department, allowing the administration to proceed with laying off nearly 1,400 employees. This decision overturned an order from a U.S. District Judge that had halted the layoffs and questioned the broader plan, with the court’s liberal justices dissenting. The ruling enables the administration to resume its efforts to wind down the department, a key campaign promise, despite ongoing legal challenges from education groups and states arguing the plan violates federal law and could cripple the department’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Education Department employees, who have been on paid leave since March, now face potential termination, and the legal battles continue.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood