After the COVID-19 money is spent, schools will still be underfunded
“So, federal COVID-19 relief will act as a much-needed Band-Aid for underfunded schools that have been starved for years, maybe decades, of the resources needed to educate their students, especially marginalized students and students of color. But underneath the infusion of emergency federal funds, the deep and persistent disinvestment in public education remains in far too many states.” - The Hill, 4/16/21
Lights, Camera, Teach?
“Florida is poised to pass a bill allowing students to record classes for personal use -- and to complain about professors who violate students' free expression. Idaho's higher ed budget is also on hold over lawmakers' concerns about diversity programs.” - Inside Higher Ed, 4/16/21
College of the Ozarks Sues Over Antidiscrimination Rule
“The College of the Ozarks, a Christian college in Missouri, filed suit in federal district court Thursday challenging a Biden administration directive prohibiting discrimination based on gender and sexual identity in entities regulated by the Fair Housing Act.” - Inside Higher Ed, 4/16/21
The 1776 Commission Report as Shepherd
“This is where we are today, on the brink of another civil war and a 'recurrence to fundamental principles.' Is America a disembodied spirit (that is, a ghost) or a real nation? In carefully considering this question, we are not without resources to guide us, in the 1776 Report.” - American Greatness, 4/15/21
Was Oregon Built on “Whiteness”?
“The near-universal embrace of critical race theory since the death of George Floyd is itself worthy of academic study. How did a largely marginalized, radical, neo-Marxist idea sweep through every nook and cranny of American life in a matter of months? The explanation is that the seeds were planted years ago and have been nurtured through a generation.” - Law & Liberty, 4/15/21
Under pressure from colleges, Zoom hands over control of virtual events
“Zoom announced a policy change this week that gives colleges and universities more control over the virtual events that they host on the video conferencing platform. Under the new policy, Zoom's moderators will only act on reports alleging violations of the company's terms of service or community standards that come from the meeting's host or the account's owners and administrator, except in select cases.” - Higher Ed Dive, 4/15/21
Biden's pick for top higher ed post outlines priorities in confirmation hearing
“President Joe Biden's nominee for the top higher education job in the U.S. Department of Education indicated support for career and technical education, free college and student loan forgiveness during his confirmation hearing Thursday. James Kvaal, who served in the Clinton and Obama administrations and most recently has led The Institute for College Access and Success, a nonprofit advocacy group, was questioned by a panel of Senate education and labor committee members.” - Higher Ed Dive, 4/15/21
How can colleges recover their civic souls?
“It’s just about democracy. Clear the way toward restoring public faith in universities in a country where millions of families are struggling. Pivot colleges toward their original mission as moral leaders in the public square. That was the promise of the American college at the dawn of the republic. Education historian Johann Neem states that college is “a gathering, a coming together for shared purposes.” What better vision is there for the university today?” - The Hill, 4/15/21