Major U.S. University Abolishes Diversity Statements for Faculty Hiring and Promotion

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University of Michigan Drops Diversity Statements:** The University of Michigan has decided to discontinue the requirement of diversity statements for faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure. This move comes after an eight-member faculty working group recommended the end of the use of diversity statements, citing their potential to limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus. The university board is also considering dismantling the bureaucracy associated with DEI initiatives. This decision follows a nationwide trend of universities rolling back their DEI requirements.

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Misty Copeland's Final Bow: A Legendary Career in Ballet

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Misty Copeland's Legacy

Misty Copeland, a trailblazing ballerina, has retired from American Ballet Theatre after 25 years.
She was the first Black female principal dancer in the company's history
Copeland's career has been marked by her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in ballet

What's Next?

Copeland will continue to promote diversity in the dance world through her foundation and by joining ABT's board of trustees.

Autistic Man Finds New Job After Being Let Go by Waitrose

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What Happened?

An autistic man, Tom Boyd, was let go as an unpaid shelf stacker at Waitrose after volunteering for years.

The Turn of Events

He was offered a paid job by Asda after his story went viral
Asda has a Supported Internship Programme for people with autism or learning disabilities

The Outcome

Tom will work at Asda with flexible hours and support. Waitrose apologized and offered him his job back, but he declined.

Trump's Executive Orders: Bringing Back Service Members, Banning DEI Policies

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In a series of executive orders, former President Trump has made some major changes to the military's policies. Here's what you need to know:_ Reinstating Service Members: Trump has signed an order to bring back service members who were booted from the military for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine._ Returning to Prior Rank: Those reinstated will be returned to their prior rank, and be provided back pay and benefits._ Banning DEI Policies: Another order bans the use of race- or sex-based preferences in the military, the Defense Department, and the Homeland Security Department.

Landmark Public School Funding Increase Secured by Victoria and South Australia

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What's the latest in public school funding? Victoria and South Australia have secured a 5% increase in commonwealth public school funding, while Queensland and New South Wales are yet to sign up. This move is a significant win for Labor ahead of the federal election, and it's expected to double the federal government's public school funding offer. The additional funding will be tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up, and finish school.

Trump Ends Federal Diversity Programs, Puts Staffers on Paid Leave

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In a bold move, former President Trump has ordered the shutdown of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. A memo from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management instructed department and agency heads to place all DEI staffers on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. This decision comes after Trump repealed numerous executive orders promoting LGBTQ equality and demonized DEI policies during his presidential campaign.

Major Companies Scrap Diversity Programs Amid Conservative Pressure

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Major Companies Scrap Diversity Programs Amid Conservative Pressure
Meta, Walmart, and McDonald's have joined a growing list of companies abandoning their diversity initiatives amid conservative pressure and a changing legal landscape. The Supreme Court ruling and the term "DEI" becoming "charged" have led these companies to reconsider their diversity efforts.

  • Meta is axing its diversity programmes, including hiring, supplier, and training efforts.
  • Walmart and McDonald's have also made similar decisions regarding diversity efforts.
  • Companies are now focusing on small and medium-sized businesses and offering programmes that "mitigate bias for all, no matter your background."

Albania TikTok Ban: A Year-Long Hiatus from Social Media

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Albania has decided to ban TikTok for a year, following a fatal stabbing at a school. The ban is part of the government's plan to make schools safer and promote healthier social media use among children. The decision comes after several European countries and Australia imposed restrictions on social media use for minors.

Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed TikTok for fuelling violence among youths in and outside schools. The ban is expected to come into effect early next year and will also include measures to help parents monitor their children's online activities.

Morning News Summary: Accused Ivy League Killer, DACA Students, and Taylor Swift's Invite to Caitlin Clark

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Good morning! Here's your morning news summary. An accused Ivy League killer is fighting extradition, a Marine veteran speaks out after his acquittal, and Taylor Swift has invited Caitlin Clark to a Chiefs game. In politics, a Republican is allegedly attacked on Capitol grounds, and a Florida lawmaker introduces a bill to require DACA students to pay out-of-state tuition. Meanwhile, a defense bill bans transgender surgeries for minors but boosts enlisted pay, and Al Sharpton pockets nearly $1 million in bonuses from his nonprofit. Finally, MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' continues to suffer a post-election slump.

School Choice Clash on The View: Hostin and Griffin Disagree Over Linda McMahon's Education Secretary Nomination

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The View** co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin clashed over school choice while discussing President-elect Trump's pick for education secretary, Linda McMahon. Hostin argued that voucher programs do not benefit students academically, while Griffin argued that tax dollars should follow the students if a parent wants to give their child a leg up in a school district that may be falling behind. Despite the tension, co-host Whoopi Goldberg emphasized the importance of hearing different opinions.

Texas Moves To Implement Controversial Bible-Infused Curriculum For Elementary Public Schools

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Texas is one step closer to passing a controversial Bible-infused curriculum for elementary public schools, despite concerns about religious favoritism and potential violations of the US constitution. The curriculum, called Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian lessons about Moses, the Good Samaritan, and the Golden Rule, and may be implemented as early as this week.

Trump's New Education Secretary, Migrant Mayhem, and More!

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Good morning! Here's what you need to know to start your day. Trump has tapped the former WWE CEO for education secretary, while a migrant mayhem ensues in a liberal hub. A Republican governor sees light ahead after clashing with the Biden admin, and a Dem mayor throws down a dare to the incoming Trump admin. Plus, JD Vance's Capitol Hill field trip and more!

Trump's Expected Education Secretary Pick: Linda McMahon

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President-elect Donald Trump is expected to choose Linda McMahon as the next Secretary of Education.
McMahon, who served as administrator of the Small Business Administration in the first Trump administration, is the wife of Vince McMahon. The couple both co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 1980.

Trump has previously floated the idea of disbanding the Department of Education, which began operating in 1980.
Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told Fox News host Martha MacCallum last week that the department 'doesn't really add any value anywhere.'

McMahon is currently the board chairperson and chair of the Center for the American Worker at America First Policy Institute.

Biden to Apologize to Native Americans Over Boarding Schools

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President Biden is set to apologize to Native Americans for the federal government forcing their children into boarding schools.
This historic trip to Arizona on Friday follows his promise to visit Indian Country.
Boarding schools, run by the federal government and religious institutions, were designed to assimilate Indigenous children by destroying Native culture, language, and identity.
At least 973 children died in these schools, according to a Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report by the Department of the Interior (DOI).
The first formal apology by a sitting president seeks to usher in a new era of federal-tribal relationships.

Missouri School Names Building After Devoted Custodian

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A Missouri elementary school names one of its buildings after its devoted custodian, Claudene Wilson.
This longtime employee has taken on many roles at the small K-8 school, including welcoming students, coordinating transportation, serving lunch, and maintaining the facilities. Her dedication to the students has been unwavering for 30 years.

The Swedeborg School Board unanimously voted for the new name, the Claudene Wilson Learning Center, on August 26.

Wilson remains humble about the honor and recalls her typical workday, which often started at 6:00 AM and ended around 7:30 PM.

Despite being unconvinced that she deserves the recognition, Wilson is cherished by the whole community, including student Alex Lein, who aspires to be just like her.

Victoria's Education Minister Defends Decision to Move Hundreds of Students to Temporary CBD Campus

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Victoria’s education minister, Ben Carroll, has defended a decision to move hundreds of students from an overcrowded inner-Melbourne high school to a rented CBD office building. The temporary campus, located about 2km from the school’s main campus, will accommodate 400 year 9 students from the start of term one in 2025. The move is a response to a significant enrolment increase in recent years and will allow students to continue receiving quality education in a safe and fit-for-purpose environment. The department has invested $1.3m into the relocation and will continue to work with the school on long-term measures to manage enrolment demand. Other areas of the inner city have also experienced a surge in enrolments, leading the department to invest in ‘vertical schools.’

Universities Australia Calls Out Political Interference in Higher Education

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Tragic School Shooting Leaves 4 Dead and 9 Injured in Georgia High School

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In a horrifying incident, a student opened fire inside Apalachee High School in Georgia, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine others. The suspect, identified as Colt Gray, was taken into custody and will be tried as an adult. The shooting marks the 218th time a gun was fired or brandished at a school in 2024. Authorities are still investigating if anyone was specifically targeted and if the shooter had any connection with the victims. Meanwhile, the school community is left grappling with the aftermath of the senseless violence that has become all too common in American schools."