Following a federal investigation prompted by the suicide of a nonbinary student, the US Department of Education has determined that the Owasso Public School District violated Title IX by failing to adequately address multiple reports of sexual harassment. The investigation revealed a pattern of inconsistent responses to harassment complaints, with the district often failing to investigate or respond appropriately, demonstrating deliberate indifference to students’ civil rights. This pattern of inaction, including the district’s failure to investigate the student’s death as potential sexual harassment, contributed to a school environment that was unsafe and hostile for LGBTQ+ students. As a result, the district has agreed to implement new policies, procedures, and training to ensure compliance with Title IX and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
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President-elect Trump has proposed eliminating the Department of Education, returning education control to the states. This plan, part of his 10-point education agenda, includes promoting Christian Nationalism, attacking teachers’ unions, and diverting public funds to private schools. Trump also intends to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs through the Department of Justice, potentially harming Black and brown communities by hindering access to student debt relief, Pell Grants, and protections against discrimination. While Congress likely won’t vote to eliminate the Department of Education, Trump could significantly weaken it through executive actions, shifting the responsibility and burden of education funding to individual states.
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Superintendent Walters has issued a memo outlining his plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to a decline in the quality of education across the country.
Walters’ memo cites several reasons for dismantling the Department of Education, including the need to “champion parents’ rights,” “end social indoctrination,” and “protect patriotism.” He claims that the department has been overstepping its bounds and has been “ruining education” for decades.
However, critics argue that Walters’ proposals are thinly veiled attempts to restrict access to quality education and to promote a narrow, conservative ideology.… Continue reading
As an educator, the recent mandate by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters to have a Bible in every classroom and to incorporate it into lesson plans for grades 5-12 is both concerning and baffling. The controversial decision has been met with resistance from lawyers for teachers and school districts for valid reasons. Not only is this mandate not tied to any specific learning objectives such as Common Core standards, but it also raises constitutional concerns regarding the separation of church and state.
The vague consequences threatened by Walters for non-compliance with this mandate only add fuel to the fire. It is clear that this move is more about political posturing than actual educational improvement.… Continue reading
As a Latvian Russian living in Latvia, I have witnessed firsthand the recent changes in education policies that have sparked controversy. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled that the increased use of Latvian in education does not infringe on ethnic Russians’ rights. As someone who values diversity and cultural heritage, I must admit that I find myself conflicted on this matter.
The argument that teaching in Latvian is infringing on the rights of ethnic Russians seems unfounded to me. Latvia has a long history of being invaded and occupied by foreign powers, including Russia, and maintaining our cultural identity and language is essential to our national identity.… Continue reading
This recent announcement by the Oklahoma state superintendent mandating the incorporation of the Bible and the Ten Commandments into school curriculums has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and disbelief, and rightfully so. As someone who values the separation of church and state, this directive seems to be a blatant violation of that principle. The idea of requiring every classroom in the state to have a Bible and insisting that all teachers teach from it crosses a dangerous line regarding indoctrination.
The argument presented by Superintendent Walters that the Bible is a foundational document crucial for understanding the history and values of the United States is flawed and narrow-minded.… Continue reading
As a person who values the separation of church and state, I am deeply troubled by the recent decision in Louisiana to require the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This move seems to be a clear violation of the constitutional principle of religious freedom. The idea of mandating the posting of one specific religious doctrine in every classroom is not only discriminatory but also goes against the diverse nature of our society.
The Ten Commandments, while significant to those who adhere to the Christian faith, are not universally applicable to all students in public schools. It is crucial to remember that not every student follows the Christian faith, and forcing them to view religious symbols in a place of learning can be exclusionary and offensive.… Continue reading
As I read about the Biden administration’s decision to roll back the Betsy DeVos Title IX rules, a wave of relief washed over me. The regulations set forth during DeVos’ tenure were deeply troubling, as they narrowly defined sexual harassment and allowed for live hearings where the accused could cross-examine their accusers. This practice had the potential to discourage victims of sexual misconduct from coming forward, perpetuating a culture of fear and silence. President Biden’s promise to scrap these rules signals a step in the right direction towards creating a safer and more equitable educational environment.
The new rule proposed by the administration will protect students and employees from sex-based discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of harassment.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood