As a high school graduate myself, the thought of missing out on the opportunity to walk the stage and receive my diploma with my classmates is unfathomable. Graduation is a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it is a time for celebration and recognition. So, when I came across the news of three Tennessee high school graduates with disabilities who were required to sit in the audience at their commencement ceremony, my heart sank.
These students, who had worked just as hard as their peers to reach this milestone, were denied the chance to fully participate in their graduation.… Continue reading
In a society where we are supposed to hold educators to the highest standards, it is absolutely sickening to hear about cases like the one involving a teacher accused of having sex with two of her students. The fact that she downplays her actions as mere ‘mistakes’ that ruined her ‘dream job’ is truly appalling.
The idea that she wanted to be in a position where she could prey on vulnerable young boys is disturbing beyond belief. The power dynamics at play in a teacher-student relationship are already imbalanced, but to take advantage of that for personal gain is unforgivable.
It is infuriating to see the way some people try to shift blame onto the victims and minimize the severity of their own crimes.… Continue reading
Putin’s ambitious goal of attracting half a million international students to Russian universities by 2030 certainly raises eyebrows and elicits skepticism. The idea of luring students from countries like China, India, and North Korea to study in Russia seems almost too good to be true. But delve a little deeper, and it becomes evident that there may be ulterior motives at play.
One can’t help but wonder if Putin’s true intention is to amass a pool of potential hostages or political pawns for future use. The prospect of coercing or manipulating international students, especially from countries with political tensions, is not entirely far-fetched.… Continue reading
When I think about the recent news of Columbia canceling its main graduation ceremony amid protests related to Gaza, it strikes a chord deep within me. As someone who didn’t get to experience a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic, I can empathize with the students who are now missing out on their college graduation because of these protests. Graduation is a milestone in one’s life, a moment of celebration and achievement that deserves to be recognized and honored.
It’s disheartening to see how a few individuals can disrupt such an important event for an entire graduating class. While I understand the importance of raising awareness about global issues, there is a time and place for activism.… Continue reading
As I sit down to process the recent news coming out of my beloved state of Texas, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. It’s disheartening to see Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leading the charge in a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s new Title IX guidelines that protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in education.
The fact that Governor Abbott has ordered schools in Texas to ignore these new rules is not just unacceptable, it’s downright cruel. How can we, as a society, allow our leaders to actively promote discrimination against a marginalized community?… Continue reading
As the Biden administration adds Title IX protections for LGBTQ students and assault victims, the implications of these changes are both nuanced and significant. One of the noteworthy aspects of this new interpretation is the inclusion of protections against discrimination based on gender identity, such as the use of correct pronouns corresponding to a student’s identity. This step forward in ensuring equality and respect for LGBTQ students is a positive development that aligns with the principles of inclusivity and support.
However, it is essential to recognize that some concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of these changes. For instance, there are apprehensions about the enforcement of these regulations in schools, particularly related to the potential misuse of gender neutral language.… Continue reading
The European Parliament’s recent demand for the Palestinian Authority to remove antisemitism from its curriculum has raised many questions and concerns. It is astonishing to think that in today’s world, there is still a need to address the issue of teaching racial hatred in schools. The demand for the removal of anti-Semitic content and imagery from Palestinian textbooks is not only necessary but long overdue.
The EU-funded report on Palestinian textbooks highlighted significant concerns over incitement and anti-Semitic content within the educational materials. The European Parliament’s resolution, adopted by a majority, signifies a step towards addressing this longstanding issue. However, the resistance seen with 172 votes against the demand raises skepticism about the PA’s willingness to comply.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about the outrageous claims of conspiracy theorists suggesting that the eclipse will trigger a massive human sacrifice event, I cannot help but feel a mix of astonishment and bemusement. It is truly mind-boggling how some individuals can still cling to such archaic and irrational beliefs in this day and age. The thought of people actually buying into the idea that sacrificing human lives will somehow bring back the sun is both absurd and disturbing.
The fact that some folks are so entrenched in their delusions that they are actually planning for such a horrific event is unsettling, to say the least.… Continue reading
Biden cancels $6 billion in student loan debt for 78,000 public service workers. The news of President Biden’s decision to cancel $6 billion in student loan debt for 78,000 public service workers has left many feeling relieved and grateful, myself included. As an adjunct community college professor, I have dedicated almost two decades of my life to teaching and guiding students on their academic journey. The burden of student loan debt has weighed heavily on my shoulders, making it challenging to make ends meet at times. The cancellation of $17k in student loan debt has finally provided me with the financial relief I desperately needed.… Continue reading
As I sat down to watch the Moms for Liberty interview on 60 Minutes, I didn’t quite know what to expect. But let me tell you, it was an absolute disaster. Scott Pelley didn’t hold back in dismantling their arguments, and it was almost comical to watch these so-called “leaders” stumble over simple questions. The facade of their supposed expertise crumbled under the weight of their ignorance, leaving them looking foolish and unprepared.
One of the most striking aspects of the interview was their inability to provide coherent answers to basic questions. It was clear that they were grasping at straws, repeating empty talking points without any substance to back them up.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood