PUMPING UP THOSE MAGA ESA VOUCHERS WITH ODYSSEY GRANTS

PUMPING UP THOSE MAGA ESA VOUCHERS WITH ODYSSEY GRANTS

Are you tired of your kids attending boring public schools? Do you want to give them the cheapest education money can buy? Well, look no further than Odyssey Grants! The private company that's here to save the day...or is it?

Odyssey Grants provides grants to students who are eligible for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). These ESAs allow students to use public funds to pay for private school tuition and other education-related expenses. Sounds great, right? Wrong!

First off, let's talk about the major criticisms of Odyssey Grants. Critics argue that this private funding raises concerns about conflicts of interest. For example, some critics argue that Odyssey Grants may be more likely to award grants to students who attend private schools that are affiliated with its donors. Talk about shady business practices!

But wait, it gets worse. Odyssey Grants is a private company, and it is not required to disclose its financial information to the public. Some critics argue that this lack of transparency makes it difficult to hold Odyssey accountable for its performance. Who knows where all that money is really going?

And let's not forget about the fact that Odyssey Grants diverts money away from public schools. They argue that the money used to fund Odyssey Grants could be better spent on improving public schools. But who cares about the future of our public education system when we can just throw money at private schools, am I right?

But the real kicker here is that Odyssey Grants gives an advantage to students from wealthy families. So much for equal opportunity education! It's like they're saying, "Sorry poor kids, but you're just not good enough for our fancy private schools."

And let's talk about the sources of funding for Odyssey Grants. We have individuals, foundations, and even corporations like Walmart, Koch Industries, and ExxonMobil. Because nothing says "education for all" like big corporations getting involved in our children's education.

But wait, there's more! Critics argue that these programs may expose parents and taxpayers to fraud, waste, and abuse, as some vendors may offer substandard or inappropriate services and products, or charge inflated prices. So not only are we diverting money away from public schools, but we're also potentially getting scammed in the process. Yay!

And let's not forget about the fact that these programs may violate the separation of church and state by allowing parents to use public funds to pay for religious education or instruction. Because nothing says "separation of church and state" like using taxpayer money to fund religious schools.

In conclusion, Odyssey Grants may not be the savior of our education system after all. With shady business practices, lack of transparency, and potential fraud and abuse, it's no wonder critics are up in arms about this private company. Maybe we should focus on improving our public schools instead of throwing money at private schools for the wealthy elite. Just a thought.

Grants of up to $1,500 offered to Missouri families to address learning loss https://www.ky3.com/2023/09/22/grants-up-1500-offered-missouri-families-address-learning-loss/ 

News Release | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education https://dese.mo.gov/communications/news-releases/Missouri%20Department%20of%20Elementary%20and%20Secondary%20Education%20and%20Odyssey%20Launch%20the%20Close%20the%20Gap%20Grant%20Program#:~:text=Missouri%27s%20Close%20the%20Gap%20Program,application%20

Odyssey, a company founded and led by Joseph Connor ’16 J.D., is enabling parents to use Education Savings Accounts on a vast scale | News | The Law School | University of Notre Dame https://law.nd.edu/news-events/news/alumni-joseph-connor-16-j-d-founder-ceo-of-odyssey/ 

Odyssey - Charting a new course for education https://withodyssey.com/index.html 

DEFT DIVE

**Major criticisms of Odyssey Grants**

Odyssey Grants is a private company that provides grants to students who are eligible for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). ESAs are state-funded programs that allow students to use public funds to pay for private school tuition and other education-related expenses.

Odyssey Grants has been criticized for a number of reasons, including:

• * **Conflicts of interest:** Odyssey Grants receives funding from a variety of private sources, including corporations and foundations. Some critics argue that this private funding raises concerns about conflicts of interest. For example, some critics argue that Odyssey Grants may be more likely to award grants to students who attend private schools that are affiliated with its donors.
• * **Lack of transparency:** Odyssey Grants is a private company, and it is not required to disclose its financial information to the public. Some critics argue that this lack of transparency makes it difficult to hold Odyssey accountable for its performance.
• * **Diversion of funds from public schools:** Some critics argue that Odyssey Grants diverts money away from public schools. They argue that the money used to fund Odyssey Grants could be better spent on improving public schools.
• * **Unfairness to students who cannot afford to attend private school:** Some critics argue that Odyssey Grants is unfair to students who cannot afford to attend private school. They argue that Odyssey Grants gives an advantage to students from wealthy families.

**Conclusion**

Odyssey Grants is a controversial organization. It has been praised by some for helping students attend private schools, but it has also been criticized for a number of reasons, including conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, diversion of funds from public schools, and unfairness to students who cannot afford to attend private school.

The private funds for Odyssey Grants come from a variety of sources, including:

• * **Individuals:** Many individuals donate to Odyssey Grants because they believe in the mission of the organization and want to help students attend private schools.
• * **Foundations:** A number of foundations also donate to Odyssey Grants, including the Walton Family Foundation, the Broad Foundation, and the Bradley Foundation. These foundations support a variety of educational initiatives, and they believe that Odyssey Grants is a valuable organization that is helping to improve education for students.
• * **Corporations:** Some corporations also donate to Odyssey Grants, including Walmart, Koch Industries, and ExxonMobil. These corporations support a variety of educational initiatives, and they believe that Odyssey Grants is a valuable organization that is helping to improve education for students.

In addition to these direct donations, Odyssey Grants also generates revenue from fees that it charges to states and school districts for administering ESA programs.

It is important to note that Odyssey Grants is a private company, and it is not required to disclose its financial information to the public. However, Odyssey has stated that it is committed to transparency and that it will disclose its financial information to the states and school districts that it contracts with.

**Criticisms of Odyssey Grants' private funding**

Some critics of Odyssey Grants argue that the organization's private funding model is problematic. They argue that the fact that Odyssey receives funding from corporations and foundations raises concerns about conflicts of interest. They also argue that the organization's private funding model makes it difficult to hold Odyssey accountable for its performance.

**Conclusion**

The private funds for Odyssey Grants come from a variety of sources, including individuals, foundations, and corporations. Odyssey Grants uses the funds it receives to provide grants to students who are eligible for ESAs and to cover the costs of administering the ESA programs that it manages.

Critics of Odyssey Grants argue that the organization's private funding model is problematic because it raises concerns about conflicts of interest and makes it difficult to hold Odyssey accountable for its performance.

FROM BING AI

Odyssey grants are funds that support education and workforce development initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within ocean science and/or exploration career pathways. They are also a tech platform that helps families access state funding for education through education savings accounts (ESAs) and microgrant programs. However, Odyssey grants have also faced some major criticisms from different perspectives. Some of the criticisms are:

• - Odyssey grants for ESAs and microgrants may undermine the public education system by diverting funds and students away from public schools. Critics argue that these programs may create a two-tiered system of education, where wealthy and privileged families can choose the best options for their children, while low-income and marginalized families are left behind in underfunded and underperforming public schools¹.
• - Odyssey grants for ESAs and microgrants may lack sufficient oversight and accountability to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the educational services and products that parents purchase with the public funds. Critics contend that these programs may expose parents and taxpayers to fraud, waste, and abuse, as some vendors may offer substandard or inappropriate services and products, or charge inflated prices².
• - Odyssey grants for ESAs and microgrants may violate the separation of church and state by allowing parents to use public funds to pay for religious education or instruction. Critics claim that these programs may infringe on the constitutional rights of both parents and students, as some parents may be coerced or pressured to enroll their children in religious schools or programs, while some students may be subjected to religious indoctrination or discrimination³.
• - Odyssey grants for education and workforce development in ocean science and exploration may favor certain groups or individuals over others, based on their identity, background, or affiliation. Critics suggest that these grants may create a sense of entitlement or resentment among the recipients or the non-recipients, as some groups or individuals may receive preferential treatment or access to opportunities, while others may be excluded or overlooked.
• - Odyssey grants for education and workforce development in ocean science and exploration may have limited impact or sustainability, given the challenges and uncertainties of the field. Critics question the feasibility and relevance of these grants, as some of the educational and career pathways that they support may be unrealistic or obsolete, given the rapid changes in technology, environment, and society.

Bing, 9/22/2023

• (1) The Odyssey Essays and Criticism - eNotes.com. https://www.enotes.com/topics/odyssey/critical-essays/essays-criticism.
• (2) Major Themes in The Odyssey - CliffsNotes. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/the-odyssey/critical-essays/major-themes-in-the-odyssey.
• (3) The Odyssey: Full Poem Analysis | SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/plot-analysis/.

Odyssey grants are private-public partnerships that involve collaboration between private entities and public agencies to provide public services or assets, such as education, infrastructure, or environmental protection. The funding sources for the private funding vary depending on the type and purpose of the grant, but some of the common sources are:

• - Investors: Some Odyssey grants are funded by private investors who are interested in supporting innovative and impactful solutions to social problems. For example, Odyssey, the tech platform that helps families access state funding for education through education savings accounts (ESAs) and microgrant programs, is funded by a $4.75 million seed round from a group of investors, including Andreesen Horowitz, Village Global, Bling Capital and others¹.
• - Donors: Some Odyssey grants are funded by donations from individuals or corporations who receive tax benefits or other incentives for their contribution. For example, the Hope Scholarship Program in West Virginia, which provides ESAs to students who want to attend a private school or homeschool, is funded by a one-time appropriation of $5 million from the state's general revenue fund, as well as any donations from individuals or corporations that receive a tax credit for their contribution².
• - Foundations: Some Odyssey grants are funded by foundations that have a specific mission or vision for supporting certain causes or communities. For example, the Odyssey Group Foundation is a charitable organization that was established by Odyssey Group, a global insurance company. The Foundation sets aside 2% of Odyssey Group's pre-tax earnings for charitable purposes, and has pledged over $70 million to more than 450 charities around the world³.

Bing, 9/22/2023

• (1) FEDERAL FUNDING AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/P5-Fultz-A-PPT-pdf-1.pdf.
• (2) Green Infrastructure Funding Opportunities | US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure-funding-opportunities.
• (3) What’s the Difference Between Public and Private Grant Funding?. https://cayuse.com/blog/public-private-grant-funding-difference/.
• (4) Government Support in Financing PPPs - PUBLIC-PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIP LEGAL .... https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/government-support-financing-ppps.
• (5) Where To Find Funding For Nonprofit Organizations - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/01/25/where-to-find-funding-for-nonprofit-organizations/.
• (6) undefined. https://pppknowledgelab.org/guide/sections/3-what-is-a-ppp-defining-.

TO PREVENT LGBTQ GROUPS USING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES CLOVIS TELL THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY TO GO TO HELL

 

TO PREVENT LGBTQ USING OF SCHOOL FACILITIES CLOVIS TELL THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY TO GO TO HELL

In a recent decision, the Clovis Unified School District has decided to prevent LGBTQ+ groups from using school facilities during school days. This decision has caused quite a stir in the community, with some parents arguing that it's their right to know about all aspects of their child's development. But let's be real here, folks. If you're worried about your child being "exposed" to the LGBTQ+ community, then you're probably not doing a great job of parenting in the first place.

I mean, come on. What's the worst that could happen? Your child might learn that it's okay to love whoever they want? That people come in all shapes, sizes, and genders? That they shouldn't judge others based on their sexual orientation or gender identity? God forbid!

But don't worry, dear parents. The school board has your back. They've decided to cancel all existing reservations by outside groups during school days, citing the need for academic enrichment of students. Because clearly, learning about diversity and acceptance isn't academically enriching at all.

And to those LGBTQ+ groups who were hoping to rent space for an after-school story hour? Tough luck. You'll have to find somewhere else to go. But hey, at least you're not alone. The rest of the community is right there with you. In fact, we think you should all band together and tell the school board to go to hell.

Because let's face it, folks. This decision is discriminatory, plain and simple. And it's not just happening in Clovis. School districts all over California are implementing policies that threaten the civil rights and educational opportunities of LGBTQ+ youth. And for what? So parents can feel better about themselves?

Well, we've got news for you, parents. Your child's gender identity and sexual orientation are not about you. They're about your child. And if you can't accept that, then maybe it's time to take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you're really doing what's best for your child.

Instead of discriminatory policies, schools should focus on supporting students through counseling and mental health resources. Because let's be real here, folks. Being a teenager is hard enough as it is. And being a teenager who identifies as LGBTQ+? Well, that's a whole other ballgame.

So let's stop the discrimination and start focusing on what really matters: creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Because when it comes down to it, we're all just human beings trying to navigate this crazy thing called life. And if we can't do that together, then what's the point?

Clovis school board excludes outside clubs, including LGBTQ+ group | The Fresno Bee https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article279608869.html 

Community speaks out about CUSD transgender policy | KMPH https://kmph.com/news/local/community-speaks-out-about-cusd-transgender-policy 

LGBTQ youth react to wave of CA parent notification policies | The Fresno Bee https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article278697909.html 

KEVIN MCCARTHY'S HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP: THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL MAY BE A FREIGHT TRAIN

 

KEVIN MCCARTHY'S HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL MAY BE A FREIGHT TRAIN

In a shocking turn of events, Kevin McCarthy's bid for House Speaker is in danger due to his inability to count to five. 

As we reported earlier, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House, with 222 seats to Democrats' 212. This means that McCarthy can only afford to lose five Republican votes in order to become speaker. However, it appears that McCarthy has lost track of how many votes he can afford to lose.

Sources close to the situation report that McCarthy has been going around the House, asking members if they will vote for him, without keeping track of their responses. When asked how many votes he has secured so far, McCarthy reportedly replied, "I don't know, but it's definitely more than five."

This lack of basic math skills has caused concern among McCarthy's supporters and opponents alike. "If he can't count to five, how can we trust him to lead the House?" asked one Republican lawmaker who wished to remain anonymous.

In response to these concerns, McCarthy's team has released a statement saying that he is "confident that he has the votes necessary to become speaker." When pressed for details on how many votes he has secured, McCarthy's team declined to comment.

This lack of transparency has only added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding McCarthy's speakership bid. Some have suggested that he may be relying on the support of imaginary friends or even pets to secure the necessary votes.

Despite these challenges, McCarthy remains optimistic about his chances. "I may not be able to count to five, but I know how to count my blessings," he said in a recent interview. "And I'm blessed to have the support of so many great people in the House."

Whether or not McCarthy's blessings will be enough to secure the speakership remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: this is one counting lesson he won't soon forget.

McCarthy’s House speakership hangs by a thread as US shutdown looms | Kevin McCarthy | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/22/government-shutdown-house-speaker-kevin-mccarthy 

McCarthy visibly frustrated after GOP hardliners put his plan to avoid a shutdown on ice | CNN Politics https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/21/politics/house-government-shutdown-negotiations-latest/index.html 

Matt Gaetz Effectively House Speaker as Kevin McCarthy Caves: Steve Bannon https://www.newsweek.com/matt-gaetz-effectively-house-speaker-kevin-mccarthy-caves-steve-bannon-1829160 

Deflated House Republicans leave town with no solution for government shutdown https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-republicans-still-dont-votes-government-shutdown-looms-rcna111338 

Hard-right Republicans push closer to a disruptive federal shutdown | AP News https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-house-republicans-spending-cuts-deff84c0e2ff7d3bd076b8c38e14cca4

Opinion | Why Kevin McCarthy Can’t Do His Job - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/opinion/kevin-mccarthy-gingrich-house-speaker.html 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Kevin McCarthy's House speakership is hanging in the balance for a number of reasons.

**1. A narrow Republican majority*

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House, with 222 seats to Democrats' 212. This means that McCarthy can only afford to lose five Republican votes in order to become speaker.

**2. Opposition from the right flank of the Republican Party**

A group of about 20 conservative Republicans have pledged to oppose McCarthy's speakership bid. These members of the House Freedom Caucus are unhappy with McCarthy's leadership and believe that he is not conservative enough.

**3. McCarthy's own missteps**

McCarthy has made a number of missteps in recent years that have damaged his reputation. For example, he was criticized for his handling of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. He has also been accused of being too close to special interests and of not being transparent in his leadership style.

**4. The January 6th hearings**

The ongoing January 6th hearings have also put McCarthy in a difficult position. McCarthy has been accused of being complicit in the attack on the Capitol, and he has been subpoenaed to testify by the House Select Committee investigating the attack.

**5. The potential for a government shutdown**

The government is currently operating under a continuing resolution, which expires on September 30th. If Congress is unable to pass a budget by that date, the government will shut down. This would be a major embarrassment for McCarthy, and it could further damage his chances of becoming speaker.

**What does the future hold for McCarthy?**

It is unclear whether McCarthy will be able to secure the votes he needs to become speaker. If he is unable to do so, it would be a major setback for Republicans. It could also lead to a period of turmoil in the House, as Republicans try to figure out who should replace McCarthy as their leader.

It is also possible that McCarthy could strike a deal with his conservative detractors in order to secure their votes. However, this would likely require him to make concessions that could weaken his position as speaker.

Ultimately, the fate of McCarthy's speakership bid will depend on a number of factors, including the results of the January 6th hearings, the outcome of the midterm elections, and the ability of McCarthy to unite the Republican Party.

FROM BING AI

The reason behind McCarthy's House speakership hanging in the balance is the opposition he faces from a group of hard-right Republicans known as the House Freedom Caucus. The Freedom Caucus members have been blocking and delaying the passage of several spending bills that are needed to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. They have also threatened to oust McCarthy from his position if he cuts a deal with the Democrats to raise the debt ceiling, which is another looming fiscal crisis. The Freedom Caucus members have a list of demands that they want to see met before they agree to support any spending or debt legislation, such as cutting aid to Ukraine, building more border walls, ending "woke" policies in the military, and reducing the funding for the Justice Department and the FBI. They claim that they are fighting against the "decline" of the country under the Biden administration and its spending policies⁹.

McCarthy has been trying to appease and persuade the Freedom Caucus members to cooperate with him and his allies, but so far he has not been successful. He has also faced criticism from some moderate Republicans who are frustrated with his leadership and his inability to rein in the Freedom Caucus. McCarthy has been meeting with various factions of his conference to try to find a consensus and a compromise on the spending and debt issues, but he has also warned that he will not let the Freedom Caucus dictate the terms of the negotiations[^10^]. He has said that he is confident that he will keep his speakership and that he has the support of former President Trump, who has been calling some of the Freedom Caucus members to urge them to back McCarthy⁵.

However, some Democrats have also floated the idea of voting to save McCarthy's job if he agrees to end the impeachment inquiry against President Biden, which was launched by McCarthy last month after pressure from the Freedom Caucus⁶. This could be a risky strategy for both parties, as it could alienate some of their base voters and create more division within their ranks. It is unclear whether McCarthy would accept such a deal or whether he would be able to deliver enough Republican votes to pass a spending or debt bill with Democratic support³.

In summary, McCarthy's House speakership is hanging by a thread because of the internal conflict within his party over how to deal with the fiscal challenges facing the country. He has to balance the demands of the Freedom Caucus, who want to use their leverage to push for their conservative agenda, and the interests of his moderate allies, who want to avoid a government shutdown and a default on the debt. He also has to contend with the Democrats, who have their own agenda and may try to exploit his vulnerability.

Bing, 9/22/2023

(1) For the House Freedom Caucus, tormenting Kevin McCarthy is the point .... https://www.salon.com/2023/09/22/for-the-freedom-caucus-tormenting-kevin-mccarthy-is-the-point/.

(2) McCarthy huddles with House Freedom Caucus and urges consensus ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/23/politics/kevin-mccarthy-house-freedom-caucus-spending-fight/index.html.

(3) Kevin McCarthy wins House speaker bid after gruelling 15-vote saga. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/06/kevin-mccarthy-republican-wins-house-speaker.

(4) Top House Democrat floats voting to save McCarthy's job — if he ends the Biden impeachment inquiry. https://www.businessinsider.com/katherine-clark-kevin-mccarthy-motion-vacate-biden-impeachment-2023-9.

(5) House Democrats weigh risky strategy: Whether to save McCarthy. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/house-democrats-weigh-risky-strategy-whether-to-save-mccarthy/ar-AA1h15uI.

(6) McCarthy’s House speakership hangs by a thread as US shutdown looms .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/22/government-shutdown-house-speaker-kevin-mccarthy.

(7) For the House Freedom Caucus, tormenting Kevin McCarthy is the point. https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-freedom-caucus-tormenting-kevin-130646597.html.

(8) Live updates: Rep. Kevin McCarthy wins House speakership - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/house-speaker-leadership-vote-01-06-23/index.html.

(9) For the House Freedom Caucus, tormenting Kevin McCarthy is the point. https://news.yahoo.com/house-freedom-caucus-tormenting-kevin-130646597.html.

(10) After Securing Impeachment From McCarthy, Freedom Caucus Pretends That Wasn’t Part Of Their Demands. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/after-securing-impeachment-from-mccarthy-freedom-caucus-pretends-that-wasn-t-part-of-their-demands/ar-AA1gCHrR.

(11) The standoff between Kevin McCarthy and right-wing House ... - Vox. https://www.vox.com/politics/23754641/mccarthy-gop-house-freedom-caucus.

MINDLESS MAGA MADNESS: MISSISSIPPI DECLARES MANY COLLEGE MAJORS AS 'USELESS GARBAGE'

 

MINDLESS MAGA MADNESS: MISSISSIPPI DECLARES MANY COLLEGE MAJORS AS 'USELESS GARBAGE'

Mississippi State Auditor Shad White has proposed defunding several college majors, including Urban Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, German Literature, African Studies, Gender Studies, and Women's Studies. Why, you ask? Because they are apparently "useless" and "garbage fields." 

In a stunning move, White has suggested that the state should only fund degrees in engineering and business that will benefit the state's economy. He argues that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for degrees that don't contribute to the economy and that investing in low-skill degrees could end up subsidizing out-of-state economies. 

But wait, there's more! White has also claimed that these majors promote "leftist ideology" and "indoctrinate" students with "liberal propaganda." We can only imagine what he thinks happens in Gender Studies classes. 

It's not just Mississippi, folks. The state of Texas recently passed similar legislation to change community-college funding to better fit the state economy. So if you want to study something creative or interesting like rhetoric or music, you better start a GoFundMe page. 

But let's be real here. Who needs Anthropology when you have Engineering? Who needs German Literature when you have Business? And who needs Gender Studies when you have...uh...well, we're not really sure what you have instead of Gender Studies. 

In all seriousness, this proposal is a dangerous attack on higher education. It devalues important fields of study and limits students' options for pursuing their passions and interests. It also promotes a narrow-minded view of education that only values degrees that lead to high-paying jobs. 

So what's next? Will we only fund degrees in STEM fields and forget about the humanities altogether? Will we only teach students how to code and forget about critical thinking? Will we only care about the economy and forget about everything else that makes life worth living? 

We hope not. Because if we do, we'll end up with a society that values money over everything else, where creativity and diversity are stifled, and where people are reduced to cogs in a machine. And that's not a society we want to live in. 

So let's fight back against this proposal and stand up for the importance of education in all its forms. Let's support our students and our educators and let them know that their work is valued and appreciated. And let's never forget that there's more to life than just making money. 

In conclusion, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White's proposal to defund several college majors is a misguided attempt to limit students' options and promote a narrow-minded view of education. We need to fight back against this proposal and stand up for the importance of education in all its forms. Because in the end, education is not just about getting a job, it's about becoming a well-rounded human being who can contribute to society in meaningful ways. And that's something we should all value.

Mississippi auditor says taxpayers shouldn't be paying for your anthropology degree https://www.wapt.com/article/mississippi-auditor-says-several-college-majors-indoctrinate-students-and-should-be-defunded/45247915# 

Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students and should be defunded | AP News https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-college-majors-funding-cuts-aad5a0d5c7ab013d6c5489fd41e4dc54

Jimmy Buffett Didn’t Need a Music Degree - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/articles/jimmy-buffett-didnt-need-a-music-degree-mississippi-high-skill-degrees-funding-c07925ca 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Mississippi Auditor Says Several College Majors Indoctrinate Students and Should Be Defunded

In September 2023, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, a Republican, published a report titled "The Mississippi College Affordability and Workforce Act." The report argued that the state should defund several college majors that White claimed were "indoctrination factories."

White specifically named the following majors as being problematic:

• * Gender studies
• * Women's studies
• * Ethnic studies
• * Critical race theory
• * Social justice
• * Environmental studies

White argued that these majors are not aligned with Mississippi's workforce needs and that they are "useless" and "garbage fields." He also claimed that these majors promote "leftist ideology" and "indoctrinate" students with "liberal propaganda."

White's report has been widely criticized by educators and academics. They argue that White's claims are false and that the majors he listed are essential to a well-rounded education. They also point out that White himself studied political science and economics at the University of Mississippi, both of which are social sciences.

Critics also note that White's report is motivated by his own political ideology. White is a conservative Republican who has been a vocal critic of higher education. He has previously accused universities of being "liberal bastions" and of promoting "woke ideology."

Despite the criticism, White's report has been influential among some Republican politicians in Mississippi. In January 2024, a group of Republican state lawmakers introduced a bill that would defund the majors that White listed in his report. The bill is currently under consideration in the Mississippi legislature.

**A Deep Dive into the Issue**

• White's claims about college majors indoctrinating students are not new. They have been made by conservative critics of higher education for many years. However, there is no evidence to support these claims.
• In fact, studies have shown that college students are exposed to a variety of viewpoints in their classes, and that they are not simply indoctrinated with liberal ideology. For example, a 2017 study by the Pew Research Center found that college students are more likely to be exposed to conservative viewpoints than they are to liberal viewpoints.
• It is also important to note that the majors that White listed are all important fields of study. They provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a variety of careers. For example, graduates of gender studies programs often work in fields such as education, social work, and public policy. Graduates of women's studies programs often work in fields such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice.

**Conclusion**

White's claims about college majors indoctrinating students are false and misleading. They are motivated by his own political ideology and are not supported by evidence. The majors that White listed are all important fields of study that provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a variety of careers.

**My Opinion** (BARD)

I believe that White's report is a dangerous attack on higher education. It is based on false and misleading claims, and it is motivated by his own political ideology. If White's recommendations are implemented, it will damage Mississippi's public universities and make it more difficult for students to pursue the majors they are passionate about.

FROM BING AI

Mississippi auditor's report that suggests defunding several college majors.

The report, published on September 21, 2023, by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, a Republican, argues that the state should change its approach to funding its public universities. He proposes tying public investment to workforce needs instead of providing funds without regard for the degree programs, as has traditionally been the case¹². White claims that too many college graduates are leaving Mississippi, and aligning degree programs with labor market demand might stem the tide¹².

White also criticizes some social science and humanities degree programs as “indoctrination factories” that are not useful to Mississippi’s economy. He says there should be no taxpayer funding for “useless degrees” in “garbage fields” like Urban Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, German Literature, African Studies, Gender Studies and Women's Studies¹²³. He suggests that the state should increase funding in degree programs with higher earning potential right after graduating, such as in engineering or business management¹².

White's report and statements have sparked controversy and criticism from various sources. Some of the main points of criticism are:

1. - White's report is based on flawed assumptions and data. For example, he uses average salaries of graduates in Mississippi as a measure of economic impact, ignoring the benefits of education beyond income, such as civic engagement, cultural diversity, and personal fulfillment⁴⁵. He also does not account for the differences in cost of living across states, which may affect graduates' decisions to stay or leave Mississippi⁶.
2. - White's report is motivated by political and ideological agendas, not by genuine concern for education or economic development. He is using his position as auditor to interfere with academic freedom and autonomy, and to promote his own conservative views on social and cultural issues⁴⁵⁷. He is also trying to advance his political career by appealing to his base and potential donors⁸.
3. - White's report is harmful to students and faculty, especially those from marginalized groups and disciplines. He is devaluing and stigmatizing their fields of study and their contributions to society⁴⁵⁹. He is also creating a chilling effect on academic inquiry and expression, and discouraging students from pursuing their interests and passions[^10^] ¹¹.

In conclusion, Mississippi auditor's report that suggests defunding several college majors has generated a lot of backlash and debate. The report reflects White's views on education and its role in society, which are not shared by many educators, students, and experts. The report also raises questions about the appropriate role of the state auditor and the state government in determining the funding and direction of higher education in Mississippi.

Bing, 9/22/2023

• (1) Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students and should be defunded. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/mississippi-auditor-says-several-college-majors-indoctrinate-students-and-should-be-defunded/ar-AA1h3ELP.
• (2) Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students, should be defunded. https://news.yahoo.com/mississippi-auditor-says-several-college-151942008.html.
• (3) Mississippi auditor says several college majors bias students and should be defunded. https://news.yahoo.com/mississippi-auditor-says-several-college-175458620.html.
• (4) Auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students and should be .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mississippi-auditor-college-majors-indoctrinate-students-defunded-103378914.
• (5) Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students .... https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-college-majors-funding-cuts-aad5a0d5c7ab013d6c5489fd41e4dc54.
• (6) Mississippi auditor says several college majors indoctrinate students .... https://www.wapt.com/article/mississippi-auditor-says-several-college-majors-indoctrinate-students-and-should-be-defunded/45247915.
• (7) Shad White - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shad_White.
• (8) Learn More About Your Mississippi State Auditor - Shad White. https://shadwhite.com/about/.
• (9) Shad White - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Shad_White.
• (10) Shad White Bio - Mississippi Today. https://mississippitoday.org/2019/07/03/shad-white/.
• (11) Mississippi Public Universities - Legislative Relations - State Government. http://www.mississippi.edu/gov/.
• (12) Mississippi State Grant Aid - Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Mississippi%20State%20Grant%20Aid.pdf.
• (13) Mississippi Public Universities - Institutions of Higher Learning. http://www.mississippi.edu/ihl/.
• (14) Policies and Bylaws - Mississippi Public Universities. http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/board/downloads/policiesandbylaws.pdf.
• (15) State auditor issues report challenging how Mississippi funds college .... https://www.supertalk.fm/state-auditor-issues-report-challenging-how-mississippi-funds-college-majors/.
• (16) Shad White - MS. https://www.osa.ms.gov/documents/Special_Reports/2019%20Cyber%20Security%20Report.pdf.
• (17) MS state auditor's office releases report of Medicaid fraud claims. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2021/08/02/ms-state-auditors-office-releases-report-medicaid-fraud-claims/5452905001/.