RON DESANTIS AND FLORIDA THE STATE OF VOODOO EDUCATION

 

RON DESANTIS AND THE STATE OF  FLORIDA'S VOODOO EDUCATION

If you thought Florida was just a land of sunshine, beaches, and alligators, think again. It's also the state where education has become a battleground for culture wars and political correctness. Yes, you heard it right. Florida is the state of education voodoo, where everything is either banned, censored, or sanitized to fit a conservative agenda.

Let's start with the basics. The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, is not your typical politician. He's more like a crusader on a mission to save America from the evils of critical race theory, woke ideology, and liberal indoctrination. In his view, these are the real threats to our society, not climate change, gun violence, or income inequality. And he's not afraid to use his power to make sure that Florida schools are safe from these dangerous ideas.

So what has DeSantis done so far? Well, he has signed a bunch of bills into law that restrict what can be taught in classrooms and who can teach it. For example:

• - The "Don't Say Gay" bill prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Because we all know that kids at that age are too young to understand that some people are different from others and that it's okay to be yourself.
• - The "Stop WOKE" act prohibits instruction that makes students feel "guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress" because of their race or sex. Because we all know that acknowledging racism and sexism is just a way to make people feel bad about themselves.
• - The "Individual Freedom" act prohibits state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities. Because we all know that promoting diversity and inclusion is just a way to brainwash students into becoming social justice warriors.

But wait, there's more. DeSantis has also appointed conservative members to the boards of education for Florida's public schools and universities. These appointees are likely to support his education policies and to roll back some of the progress that Florida has made in recent years in terms of racial equity and diversity.

So what does all of this mean for Florida students and teachers? Well, for starters, it means that they have to walk on eggshells when it comes to discussing sensitive topics like race, gender, and sexuality. They have to be careful not to offend anyone or risk being accused of promoting a "hateful" or "divisive" agenda. They also have to be prepared to face censorship or punishment if they dare to challenge the official narrative or express unpopular opinions.

But fear not, dear readers. There's still hope for Florida education. Despite DeSantis's best efforts, there are still some brave souls who are fighting back against the tyranny of political correctness and intellectual conformity. Here are some examples:

• - Some Florida schools are still offering AP Psychology classes, even though the state initially banned them for violating the law. Because we all know that learning about the human mind is just a way to brainwash students into becoming Freudian fanatics.
• - Some Central Florida schools require students to get parent permission to be called by a nickname. Because we all know that using a nickname is just a way to undermine authority and promote anarchy.
• - Some Florida counties are still teaching Shakespeare in full, despite new state rules that require them to teach it in excerpts only. Because we all know that Shakespeare is just a way to promote elitism and snobbery.

In conclusion, Florida may be the state of education voodoo, but it's also the state of resilience and humor. As long as there are people who are willing to stand up for free speech, critical thinking, and intellectual diversity, there's still hope for a brighter future. So let's keep fighting the good fight, one joke at a time. After all, laughter is the best medicine for a sick society.

Florida schools drop AP Psychology after state says it violates the law - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/09/florida-schools-drop-ap-psychology-class/ 

 Florida OKs AP Psychology, some local districts still opt for other curriculums - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voEvriQxSB4

Some Florida schools to require parent permission to use nicknames https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-schools-nicknames-permission/44766231 

Florida county to teach Shakespeare in excerpts only under new state rules | The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4144479-florida-county-to-teach-shakespeare-in-excerpts-only-under-new-state-rules/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal critic of what he sees as "woke" education in schools. He has signed a number of bills into law that restrict what can be taught in classrooms, including:

• * The **Parental Rights in Education Act**, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
• * The **Stop WOKE Act** prohibits instruction that makes students feel "guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress" because of their race or sex.
• * The **Individual Freedom Act** prohibits state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities.

DeSantis has also appointed conservative members to the boards of education for Florida's public schools and universities. These appointees are likely to support his education policies and to roll back some of the progress that Florida has made in recent years in terms of racial equity and diversity.

DeSantis's education policies have been met with criticism from educators, parents, and civil rights groups. They argue that these policies are discriminatory and that they will harm students, especially students of color and LGBTQ+ students. They also argue that these policies are an attempt to control what teachers can teach and to censor important historical and social issues.

DeSantis has defended his education policies, arguing that they are necessary to protect children from "indoctrination" and to promote "parental rights." He has also said that he is not trying to censor teachers, but he wants to make sure that they are teaching "honest history" and not "indoctrination."

The debate over DeSantis's education policies is likely to continue in the years to come. It is a debate that is not just about education, but also about the role of government in society and the values that we want to teach our children.

Here are some additional details about the impact of DeSantis's education policies:

• * The Parental Rights in Education Act has led to a number of school districts banning books that deal with LGBTQ+ issues or race.
• * The Stop WOKE Act has made it more difficult for universities to offer diversity and inclusion trainings.
• * The Individual Freedom Act has led to a decline in the number of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Florida universities.
• * DeSantis's appointments to the boards of education have led to a shift in the curriculum in Florida schools, with a focus on traditional values and a neglect of issues such as climate change and gun violence.

The impact of DeSantis's education policies is still unfolding, but it is clear that they are having a significant impact on the education system in Florida. It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of these policies will be.

FROM BING AI

The topic of Florida education and DeSantis's right-wing policy. I will try to provide you with a summary of the main issues and controversies that are happening in the state.

According to the web search results, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been pushing for a conservative agenda in the state's education system, which has sparked criticism and resistance from many educators, students, and parents. Some of the key aspects of his policy are:

• - **Banning critical race theory and other "woke" ideologies** from the curriculum. DeSantis has claimed that these topics are divisive and indoctrinate students with a "hateful" view of America. He has also proposed to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and limit majors like gender studies in higher education¹³⁴.
• - **Expanding parental rights and school choice**. DeSantis has signed a law that gives parents more control over what their children learn at school, including the right to opt out of any lessons or materials they deem objectionable¹². He has also supported charter schools, private schools, and vouchers as alternatives to public education¹.
• - **Restricting academic freedom and faculty tenure**. DeSantis has proposed to survey students and faculty on their political views and beliefs, and to withhold funding from institutions that are deemed "hotbeds for stale ideology" or lack "intellectual diversity"¹². He has also suggested to limit tenure protections for faculty and make it easier to fire them for expressing unpopular opinions³.
• - **Promoting patriotic education and civic literacy**. DeSantis has advocated for teaching students about the "foundational principles" of America, such as the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights¹². He has also required students to pass a civics test before graduating high school, and to take a course on the "evils of communism and totalitarian ideologies" in college¹³.
• - **Opposing transgender rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion**. DeSantis has signed a bill that bans transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports teams in public schools, arguing that it protects fairness and safety for female athletes¹². He has also supported a law that prohibits teachers from discussing sexuality and gender identity in grades K-12, which critics have called the "Don't Say Gay" bill¹⁴.

These are some of the main points of DeSantis's education policy, which he has been implementing with the support of the Republican-controlled legislature and the state Board of Education. However, his actions have also faced opposition from various groups, such as teachers' unions, civil rights organizations, student activists, and Democratic lawmakers. Some of them have challenged his policies in court, organized protests and rallies, launched campaigns and petitions, and called for more transparency and accountability from his administration¹²³⁴.

Bing, 8/9/2023

(1) What DeSantis is doing to Florida schools, explained - Vox. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/23593369/ron-desantis-florida-schools-higher-education-woke.

(2) Ron DeSantis threatens academic freedom in Florida with these new ... - Vox. https://www.vox.com/policy/2023/6/2/23742508/ron-desantis-florida-higher-education-ideological-war.

(3) Right-Wing Attacks on Education and Student Expression. https://www.americanoversight.org/investigation/right-wing-attacks-on-education-and-student-expression.

(4) Ron DeSantis is pushing education in Florida much further right. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/01/19/desantis-florida-education-right-wing/.

(5) PragerU in Florida Schools: The controversial curriculum, explained. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/01/prageru-curriculum-florida-schools/70505340007/.

RESEARCH MISCONDUCT: HOW STATE DEFUNDING AND PRIVATIZATION IS MAKING FOOLS OF US ALL

 

RESEARCH MISCONDUCT: HOW STATE DEFUNDING AND PRIVATIZATION IS MAKING FOOLS OF US ALL

Recent academic scandals have rocked some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world, including Stanford and Harvard. These scandals have exposed the dark underbelly of research misconduct and error, and have left many wondering how we got here.

One thing is clear: state defunding and privatization have played a major role in reducing honest research at these institutions. As funding for research programs has decreased, so too has access to resources and facilities, resulting in a decrease in the number of researchers.

But let's not get too serious. After all, this is a funny article, right? So, let's take a look at some of the hilarious ways that research misconduct has been exposed.

First off, who can forget the time that a group of researchers at Harvard were caught faking data in order to prove that chocolate was good for you? That's right, they were literally trying to convince people to eat more chocolate. I mean, who wouldn't want to believe that chocolate is good for you? But alas, it turns out that the study was completely bogus.

And then there was the time that a group of researchers at Stanford were caught falsifying data in order to prove that cats are smarter than dogs. Now, I don't know about you, but I've always been a dog person. So, when I heard about this study, I was like, "what the heck?" But it turns out that the study was completely fabricated.

So, what do these scandals tell us about the state of research today? Well, for one thing, they show that scientific misconduct is a serious problem that affects not only the reputation of individual researchers and institutions, but also the trustworthiness and reliability of scientific knowledge.

They also highlight the challenges and limitations of correcting the scientific record, as well as the role of whistleblowers and watchdogs in exposing fraud and error. And let's not forget about the importance of funding to detect and punish fraud – after all, we need to make sure that our tax dollars aren't going towards bogus studies about the benefits of chocolate.

But let's get back to the topic at hand: how has state defunding and privatization affected research at colleges and universities? Well, for one thing, it has resulted in a decrease in funding for research programs. This has had a negative impact on the quality of research being conducted, as researchers are forced to cut corners in order to get results.

Furthermore, privatization has resulted in a shift towards more industry-focused research rather than academic research. This means that researchers are more likely to be working on projects that benefit corporations rather than society as a whole. And let's face it – corporations aren't always known for their honesty and integrity.

So, what can be done to mitigate the negative impact of state defunding and privatization on research in colleges and universities? For one thing, we need to invest more in research programs and provide researchers with the resources they need to conduct high-quality studies. We also need to ensure that there is better oversight of research misconduct, so that fraudulent studies don't slip through the cracks.

But most importantly, we need to keep our sense of humor. After all, if we can't laugh at ourselves – and our ridiculous studies about the benefits of chocolate – then what's the point? So, let's keep on laughing, even in the face of academic scandals and research misconduct. After all, laughter is the best medicine – even better than chocolate.

There’s far more scientific fraud than anyone wants to admit | Ivan Oransky and Adam Marcus https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/09/scientific-misconduct-retraction-watch?CMP=share_btn_tw 

THE DEFT DIVE

Thank you for your interest in the recent academic scandals of research misconduct and error at Stanford and Harvard. Here is a summary of what I found from the web:

• - **Stanford scandal**: Marc Tessier-Lavigne, the president of Stanford, resigned in July 2023 after an independent review found flaws in several papers authored by his lab. The review cleared him of falsifying data himself, but concluded that his research failed standards of scientific rigor and process, and that he failed to correct the record on multiple occasions. The papers involved studies on axon guidance, a process that is crucial for the development of the nervous system. The problems with the papers were first raised by a colleague in 2001, and then by anonymous commenters on PubPeer, a forum for discussions about the validity of scientific papers, in 2015 and 2016. Tessier-Lavigne agreed to retract three papers (two in Science and one in Cell) after the review, but some critics argued that he should have retracted more papers and faced more severe consequences¹².
• - **Harvard scandal**: Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, was accused of having falsified research about honesty. The allegations were made by Uri Simonsohn and Joseph Simmons, two researchers who run a blog called Data Colada, where they expose questionable practices in social science research. They claimed that Gino had manipulated data and violated ethical standards in a study published in Nature in 2012, which found that people who recalled an ethical deed were more likely to cheat than those who recalled an unethical deed. Gino denied the allegations and sued Harvard and the authors of the blog for defamation. Harvard conducted an investigation and found that the study contained even more fraudulent data than previously revealed and asked Nature to note this new information³⁴.

These scandals show that scientific misconduct is a serious problem that affects not only the reputation of individual researchers and institutions, but also the trustworthiness and reliability of scientific knowledge. They also highlight the challenges and limitations of correcting the scientific record, as well as the role of whistleblowers and watchdogs in exposing fraud and error. What do you think about these scandals? 

Bing, 8/9/2023

(1) There’s far more scientific fraud than anyone wants to admit. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/09/scientific-misconduct-retraction-watch.

(2) Science Corrects Itself, Right? A Scandal at Stanford Says It Doesn't .... https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/science-corrects-itself-right-a-scandal-at-stanford-says-it-doesnt/.

(3) Harvard professor accused of research misconduct is sues university .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/03/harvard-honesty-lawsuit-research-misconduct/.

(4) A Weird Research-Misconduct Scandal About Dishonesty Just Got Weirder. https://www.chronicle.com/article/a-weird-research-misconduct-scandal-about-dishonesty-just-got-weirder.