Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-28-25

A Personal Report to My Friends Who Read the Blog https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/26/a-personal-report-to-my-friends-who-read-the-blog/ via @dianeravitch 

Diane Ravitch shares a personal update about attending her 65th Wellesley College reunion, reflecting on its diversity evolution, and her recent battle with breast cancer. She also discusses her beloved dog Mitzi’s terminal illness and expresses gratitude for her supportive community.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch recounts her 65th Wellesley College reunion, highlighting the parade of alumnae and the increasing diversity in the college over the years. 

- She shares her pride in Wellesley’s impact, including meeting inspiring current students, such as a biochemistry major from Rwanda. 

- Diane reveals her breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries, and upcoming radiation treatment, emphasizing early detection and her positive outlook. 

- She expresses deep concern for her dog Mitzi, who has a terminal condition, and her intention to cherish Mitzi’s remaining time. 

- The post includes heartfelt comments from readers offering support, sharing personal stories, and praising Diane’s advocacy and resilience. 

DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! The "Beautiful" Tax Bill Guts the Rule of Law! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/27/danger-danger-danger-the-beautiful-tax-bill-guts-the-rule-of-law/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses a controversial provision buried in a Republican-sponsored tax and budget bill, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which could significantly undermine the rule of law in the U.S. by restricting federal court challenges against Trump’s executive orders. The provision invokes Rule 65(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, making it nearly impossible for plaintiffs to afford injunctions against Trump’s orders. It also applies retroactively, nullifying past court rulings. Critics argue this would effectively allow Trump to bypass judicial oversight, posing a threat to democracy. The provision was reportedly removed from the final version of the bill, but the broader implications of the legislation remain concerning.

### Key Points

- A provision in the Republican tax bill would prevent federal courts from challenging Trump’s executive orders, allowing him to bypass judicial oversight. 

- The provision invokes Rule 65(c), requiring plaintiffs to post bonds for injunctions, which could be financially unfeasible, effectively ending court challenges. 

- Retroactive application of Rule 65(c) would nullify previous court rulings against Trump’s orders, unleashing previously blocked actions. 

- Critics warn that this provision threatens democracy and the separation of powers, but it was reportedly removed from the final bill. 

Trump's Kennedy Center Agenda Features Drag Artists https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/27/trumps-kennedy-center-agenda-features-drag-shows/ via @dianeravitch 

The article humorously discusses the irony of the Kennedy Center’s upcoming season under Donald Trump’s leadership. Despite Trump’s public denouncement of drag performances and his promise of “family-friendly” programming, the new lineup includes several shows like “Chicago,” “Moulin Rouge!,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Spamalot,” which feature drag elements or risqué content. This contradiction highlights Trump’s inconsistent approach to the arts and his lack of understanding of the content he promotes.

### Key Points

- The Kennedy Center’s upcoming season under Trump includes shows with drag and risqué content, despite his previous ban on drag performances. 

- Shows like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Chicago,” “Moulin Rouge!,” and “Spamalot” feature drag performers or sexually charged themes, contradicting Trump’s claim of offering “family-friendly” programming. 

- Critics and commenter's mock Trump’s lack of knowledge about the arts and his inconsistent policies. 

Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Reading Researcher Lucy Calkins, Other Reading Researchets https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/27/judge-tosses-lawsuit-against-reading-reseacher-lucy-calkins/ via @dianeravitch 

A lawsuit against prominent reading researchers Lucy Calkins, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pinnell, accusing them of deceptive marketing of their literacy programs, was dismissed by a U.S. District Court. The case revolved around the debate between "Balanced Literacy" and the "Science of Reading," with the latter emphasizing phonics. The court ruled it could not judge the quality of the curricula, as it lacked the capacity to evaluate educational research. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over reading instruction methods and the role of phonics versus other strategies.

### Key Points

- A lawsuit against Lucy Calkins and other researchers over their literacy programs was dismissed by a U.S. District Court. 

- The lawsuit claimed the researchers and publishers misled consumers about the effectiveness of their programs and downplayed phonics instruction. 

- The court ruled it could not assess the quality of the reading programs, as it is outside its purview. 

- The case underscores the long-standing debate between "Balanced Literacy" and the "Science of Reading," with the latter emphasizing phonics. 

- Critics argue that education programs often make exaggerated claims about their research backing. 

Trump Threatens to Transfer Harvard's Billions for Scientific Research to Trade Schools, Demands Names of Foreign Students https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/27/trump-warns-he-might-transfer-harvards-billions-for-scientific-research-to-trade-schools-demands-names-of-foreign-students/ via @dianeravitch 

Trump has threatened to withdraw billions in federal research grants from Harvard University, targeting its medical and scientific research funding, and redirect the funds to trade schools. This move stems from Harvard's refusal to comply with federal control over its curriculum, admissions, and hiring policies. Additionally, Trump demanded a list of all foreign students at Harvard, despite this information already being available through visa records. Critics view these actions as a personal vendetta against Harvard, potentially harming crucial research and academic freedom.

### Key Points

- Trump plans to redirect $3 billion in research grants from Harvard to trade schools, citing grievances with the university's policies. 

- The funding withdrawal could affect critical medical research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. 

- Trump demanded a list of foreign students at Harvard, despite such data already being available through visa systems. 

- Critics argue these actions are driven by malice and could harm U.S. academic institutions, researchers, and international collaboration. 

Big Education Ape: THE PRESIDENT HAS DECLARED WAR... ON AMERICA? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-president-has-declared-war-on.html 

The article covers various topics, including education policies, political actions, and societal challenges related to Donald Trump's presidency, executive orders, and controversies surrounding his governance style. It also highlights broader discussions on public education, climate policies, surveillance, and academic freedom.

### Key Points

- The USDA approved waivers for summer meal programs in California, allowing non-congregate settings due to heat and air quality concerns. 

- Parent leaders and advocates urge NYC Chancellor to delay a vote on student privacy regulations, emphasizing parental consent. 

- Donald Trump's presidency is critiqued for executive overreach, controversial policies on education, environment, and surveillance. 

- Trump's administration faces backlash for undermining academic freedom and targeting universities like Harvard. 

- His environmental policies and challenges to state climate laws reflect contradictions in his stance on states' rights. 

- The judiciary has acted as a check on Trump's executive actions, blocking unconstitutional measures. 

- The ACLU continues to challenge Trump's policies, advocating for civil liberties and opposing authoritarian tendencies. 

- Public protests and opposition to Trump’s governance highlight societal resistance to his actions. 

Big Education Ape: TRUMP - PUTIN: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/trump-putin-breaking-up-is-hard-to-do.html

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Trump and Putin Edition is a satirical and dramatized narrative portraying a fictionalized "breakup" conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The article humorously depicts their clashing personalities and political disagreements, ending with President Zelensky being humorously cast as the "rebound" figure in this exaggerated global drama.

### Key Points

- The article humorously portrays a fictional breakup between Trump and Putin, emphasizing their clashing personalities and political differences. 

- Trump criticizes Putin for his aggressive actions, while Putin mocks Trump for being overly emotional and inconsistent. 

- The narrative ends with Zelensky being humorously included as a "rebound" figure, adding a comedic twist to the global political drama. 

- The article serves as a satirical commentary on global politics, blending humor with exaggerated character traits. 

 

Few People Actually Change the Future — But You Can: Five Ways to Fight for Public Education https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/27/very-few-people-change-the-future-but-you-can-five-ways-to-fight-for-public-education/ 

Few people can change the future, but the article emphasizes that anyone can take action to fight for public education. Drawing inspiration from "Back to the Future," it outlines five strategies to create a better educational system: organizing locally, combating misinformation, holding politicians accountable, connecting education to broader justice movements, and staying resilient despite challenges. The piece encourages individuals to take proactive steps, highlighting the power of collective action and the importance of envisioning a just future for all students.

### Key Points

- Change the future of public education by organizing locally, as real change starts at the community level. 

- Fight misinformation by sharing facts and countering false narratives about public schools. 

- Hold politicians accountable for their actions and policies affecting public education. 

- Link public education to broader justice movements, such as climate, racial, and labor justice. 

- Stay persistent and hopeful despite challenges, as resilience fuels progress. 

- Take quick actions like hosting events, writing op-eds, and sharing personal stories to support public education. 

"There are no graduations in Gaza." Mamdani can win., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/there-are-no-graduations-in-gaza?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- Bard College graduates showed solidarity with Palestine during their graduation by wearing Keffiyehs and holding signs like “Free Palestine” and “No graduations in Palestine.” The college president, Leon Botstein, criticized the Trump administration and encouraged graduates to fight against fascism. 

- The upcoming New York mayoral race highlights Zohran Mamdani's potential victory over Andrew Cuomo, aided by New York City's ranked voting system. Mamdani has gained momentum in polls and remains firm on his pro-Palestinian stance. 

- The article briefly mentions unrelated topics, including Trump’s trade policies, union democracy issues involving Michael Mulgrew, and a Bob Dylan biopic. 

Teacher Tom: The Height of Wisdom https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-height-of-wisdom.html 

Teacher Tom reflects on the limitations of Western science in recognizing the consciousness and intelligence of animals and other living beings. He critiques the historical and ongoing dismissal of non-human consciousness by scientists and highlights the value of alternative perspectives, including indigenous knowledge, art, and the innate understanding of children, in understanding reality. He emphasizes that truth is multifaceted and enriched by diverse viewpoints, advocating for a broader, more inclusive way of knowing the world.

### Key Points

- Western science historically dismissed the idea that animals and non-Europeans could feel pain or possess consciousness, contrasting with indigenous traditions that recognize consciousness in all living things. 

- Modern science continues to resist acknowledging animal consciousness, despite mounting evidence and declarations like the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness. 

- The author argues that science is not the sole path to truth and highlights the role of art, poetry, and indigenous knowledge in revealing truths about consciousness and reality. 

- He critiques the arrogance of ranking adult minds over children’s or humans over animals, advocating for a perspective that values all forms of understanding. 

- Teacher Tom concludes by celebrating diverse perspectives and their role in creating a fuller understanding of truth and wisdom. 

glen brown: From "Losers and Suckers" to "Scum" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/from-losers-and-suckers-to-scum.html 

A critical analysis of Donald Trump's rhetoric highlights its dangerous implications for democracy. The article explores how dehumanizing language, like calling political opponents "scum," undermines democratic principles, normalizes authoritarian tactics, and fosters division among Americans. Historical parallels with authoritarian regimes are drawn to emphasize the risks of such rhetoric. The piece calls for vigilance, unity, and resistance against these threats to safeguard democratic values.

### Key Points

- Donald Trump's use of dehumanizing language, such as calling Democrats "scum," signals a dangerous escalation in political rhetoric. 

- This language mirrors tactics used by historical authoritarian regimes to justify repression and violence. 

- The rhetoric aims to delegitimize opposition, radicalize supporters, and undermine democratic institutions. 

- Historical examples, including Nazi Germany, Rwanda, and Stalinist Russia, demonstrate the deadly consequences of such dehumanization. 

- The article urges resistance against normalizing this rhetoric to protect democracy and ensure accountability. 

glen brown: Trump Has Made More than 100 Threats https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/trump-has-made-more-than-100-threats.html 

This article discusses the concerning behavior of Donald Trump, particularly his abuse of presidential power and his pattern of threatening retribution against perceived enemies. It highlights examples of his public statements, social media posts, and executive orders that reflect his authoritarian tendencies. The article emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy and free elections as a counter to such actions.

### Key Points

- Donald Trump publicly threatened retribution against those he perceives as enemies, including promises to prosecute opponents and dismantle the "deep state." 

- Trump's behavior includes mischaracterizing electoral losses as fraud and making over 100 threats during campaign seasons, which undermines democratic norms. 

- The article criticizes Trump's use of executive orders and public attacks on individuals, labeling it an abuse of presidential power. 

- It stresses the need for voter participation and the protection of free elections to preserve democracy. 

- The commentary connects Trump's actions to broader concerns about authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic traditions. 

Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Billionaires’ Love Affair with School Reform without Accountability (Part 2) | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/billionaires-love-affairs 

### Key Points

- The article discusses Larry Cuban's mixed views on philanthropy in education, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. 

- Cuban criticizes the lack of accountability and transparency among private donors and their tendency to overlook local expertise while funding educational reforms. 

- The piece references Rob Reich's arguments about the privileges of private philanthropy, including tax subsidies, and the potential for philanthropy to address long-term societal needs that governments or markets may ignore. 

- Philanthropy's role in fostering social capital, supporting community initiatives, and funding experimental projects that governments may avoid is emphasized as a positive aspect. 

- Cuban reflects on the balance between the potential of philanthropy to drive innovation and its limitations due to unaccountability and federal subsidies. 

NYC Public School Parents: Sign up today for our June 7 Parent Action Conference; Jamaal Bowman will speak on fighting the Trump education agenda! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/05/sign-up-today-for-our-june-7-parent.html 

NYC Public School Parents is promoting a Parent Action Conference on June 7, 2025, co-hosted with NYC Kids PAC. The event, featuring Congressman Jamaal Bowman, will address resisting the Trump education agenda and include workshops on topics like class size, student privacy, charter school issues, and special needs rights. The blog encourages participation in surveys, petitions, and donations to support education reform and highlights ongoing advocacy for smaller classes and student privacy. It also provides resources, podcasts, and updates on educational policies.

### Key Points

- NYC Public School Parents is hosting a Parent Action Conference with Jamaal Bowman on June 7, 2025, via Zoom, focusing on resisting the Trump education agenda and offering workshops on various educational issues. 

- Parents and educators are encouraged to engage in surveys, sign petitions, and donate to support initiatives like class size reduction and student privacy protections. 

- The blog provides resources such as newsletters, podcasts, and advocacy updates, alongside contact information for key education policymakers. 

- Advocacy efforts highlight concerns over data privacy, charter school abuses, and the rights of students with special needs. 

NYC Public School Parents: Parent leaders, elected officials, advocates & members of Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group urge Chancellor Ramos to postpone vote on student privacy regulation and allow parents the right of consent https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/05/parent-leaders-elected-officials.html 

NYC Public School Parents: Parent leaders, elected officials, advocates & members of Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group urge Chancellor Ramos to postpone vote on student privacy regulation and allow parents the right of consent https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/05/parent-leaders-elected-officials.html 

NYC public school parents, advocates, and officials are urging Chancellor Ramos to delay the vote on changes to regulation A-820, which would weaken student privacy protections by allowing sensitive student data to be shared with third parties without explicit parental consent. Concerns include risks to student safety, potential misuse of data, and lack of stringent oversight.

### Key Points

- Parents and advocates demand postponement of the vote on student privacy regulation A-820 due to concerns over weakened privacy protections. 

- Proposed changes would allow sharing of sensitive student data, including personal and contact information, with third parties without adequate parental consent. 

- Parent leaders and advocacy groups emphasize risks such as data misuse, identity theft, targeted advertising, and threats to immigrant students’ safety. 

- Critics highlight the need for stronger regulations and parental consent mechanisms to protect students’ personal information. 

- Advocates appeal to Chancellor Ramos to reconsider the regulation to ensure more robust privacy protections for students. 

Parent leaders, elected officials, advocates & members of Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group urge vote on student privacy to be postponed | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/parent-leaders-elected-officials-advocates-members-of-chancellors-data-privacy-working-group-urge-chancellor-to-postpone-vote-on-student-privacy-regulation/ 

### Key Points

- Parent leaders, elected officials, advocates, and members of the Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group are urging the postponement of a vote on changes to Chancellor’s regulation A-820 due to concerns about student privacy and safety risks. 

- The proposed revisions would allow the Department of Education to share sensitive student data, such as names, addresses, photos, and contact information, with third parties under broad terms, raising concerns about misuse. 

- Advocacy groups argue that parents should have control over their children’s data and that the proposed opt-out method is unreliable, potentially putting vulnerable students, including immigrants, at risk. 

- Critics highlight potential harms, such as increased harassment from charter schools, exploitation by social media companies, and risks of identity theft and targeted advertising. 

- Advocates demand stronger privacy protections, requiring explicit parental consent for data sharing rather than default opt-out provisions. 

Parent leaders, elected officials, advocates & members of Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group urge Chancellor Ramos to postpone vote on student privacy regulation and allow parents the right of consent | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/parent-leaders-elected-officials-advocates-members-of-chancellors-data-privacy-working-group-urge-chancellor-ramos-to-postpone-vote-on-student-privacy-regulation-and-allow-parents-the-rig/ 

The article discusses concerns over proposed revisions to New York City Chancellor’s Regulation A-820, which would weaken student privacy protections by allowing the Department of Education (DOE) to share sensitive student data with third parties. Advocacy groups, parents, and members of the Chancellor’s Data Privacy Working Group are urging Chancellor Ramos to delay the vote on these changes due to potential risks to student safety, privacy, and misuse of data. The article emphasizes the need for stronger privacy regulations and parent consent for data sharing.

### Key Points

- Advocacy groups and parents oppose revisions to Chancellor’s Regulation A-820, which would enable the DOE to share sensitive student data with third parties without strict oversight. 

- Concerns include risks to student safety, privacy violations, and potential misuse of data for commercial or targeted purposes, especially for vulnerable groups like immigrant students. 

- Parents and advocates argue for requiring explicit parental consent for data sharing instead of an opt-out mechanism. 

- Advocacy groups highlight risks such as identity theft, targeted advertising, and harassment, urging stronger regulations to protect student data. 

- The article references prior delays in the vote due to public outcry and the formation of the Data Privacy Working Group to address these issues. 

SPI, Newsom: New Literacy-Biliteracy Resources - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel31.asp 

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Literacy-Biliteracy Professional Learning Pack to enhance literacy and biliteracy instruction statewide. The pack includes resources like the California Literacy Roadmap and P–3 Learning Progressions to support educators in improving reading and language development, especially for young learners. The initiative emphasizes evidence-based teaching methods and professional development.

### Key Points

- California released the Literacy-Biliteracy Professional Learning Pack to improve statewide literacy instruction. 

- The pack includes the California Literacy Roadmap and P–3 Learning Progressions, providing structured guidance for educators. 

- These resources focus on evidence-based teaching, developmental milestones, and play-based instruction for early literacy. 

- The initiative is endorsed by literacy experts and encourages integration into professional development plans. 

- The full resource pack is available on the CDE California Literacy web page. 

Even More Cartoons on AI https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/even-more-cartoons-on-ai-2/ via @CubanLarry 

Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

### Key Points

- The article discusses the increasing prevalence of humor, particularly cartoons, about AI in 2025, which often address human fears such as job losses and the pervasive influence of AI on work and family life. 

- The author finds humor a helpful way to cope with fears about AI and encourages readers to enjoy and reflect on the shared cartoons. 

- The blog includes broader discussions on topics like education reform, teaching practices, policy implementation, and technology in education. 

- Larry Cuban shares his scholarly and practical insights on education through this platform, inviting readers to engage with his content via email subscriptions and social media. 

Choosing Democracy: Trump's Assault on the Universities is fascism in practice https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/05/trumps-assault-on-universities-is.html 

### Main Points

- The article discusses the Trump administration's attacks on universities, particularly public and private education, framing it as a consolidation of fascist power in the U.S. 

- Universities are highlighted as essential for fostering democracy through free dialogue, investigation, and public participation in decision-making. 

- Historical contributions of free public high schools (1920-1945) and the expansion of public universities (post-1945) are emphasized as key to building a democratic society. 

- The current assault on education, including equal opportunity in public education, is portrayed as a threat to democracy that requires defense. 

Schools Matter: AZ School Vouchers Support the Affluent and Rob Public Schools http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/az-school-vouchers-support-affluent-and.html 

The article examines Arizona's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability for private schools receiving public funds. It focuses on Title of Liberty Academy, a failed private school that previously operated as a charter school called ARCHES Academy. The article discusses broader concerns about school choice initiatives, the impact on public education, and the absence of oversight in taxpayer-funded private schools.

### Key Points  

- Arizona’s ESA program lacks transparency and accountability for private schools receiving taxpayer dollars.   

- Title of Liberty Academy, a voucher-funded private school, closed shortly after opening due to financial instability.   

- The school previously operated as ARCHES Academy, a charter school shut down for poor financial management and dismal academic performance.   

- Arizona imposes no vetting or oversight for private schools accepting ESA funds, even if they have a history of failure.   

- The ESA program provides over $7,000 per child annually but leaves parents without reliable information about school quality.   

- Parents face challenges in verifying the credentials and stability of private schools under the ESA program.   

- Title of Liberty transitioned from a secular charter school to a religious private school receiving public funds, highlighting regulatory gaps.   

- The lack of oversight allows private schools to exaggerate performance data or operate without accountability.   

- Voucher programs in other states, like Louisiana, initially included accountability measures but shifted to deregulated models after poor performance results.   

- Arizona Republicans have resisted efforts to increase oversight of voucher-funded private schools, except for minimal fingerprinting requirements.   

- Title of Liberty remained listed as an active ESA vendor even after its closure, raising concerns about administrative oversight.   

- The article critiques the broader implications of unregulated school choice programs and their effects on public education. 

What an Unregulated School Voucher Program Looks Like — ProPublica https://www.propublica.org/article/arizona-private-school-vouchers-no-transparency?

An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294/ref=sr_1_1?

This article discusses Diane Ravitch's upcoming memoir, "An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else," set to be released on October 21, 2025. Ravitch, a historian and former conservative education reform advocate, recounts her ideological shift from supporting standardized testing and privatization to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality in education. The book blends personal reflections with decades of research, making a compelling case for greater investment in public education.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch's memoir explores her ideological transformation from a proponent of conservative education reforms to a critic of privatization and standardized testing. 

- The book highlights her belief that poverty, not failing schools or bad teachers, is the root cause of educational inequality. 

- Ravitch shares her personal and professional journey, including her government service and advocacy for public schools. 

- The memoir combines personal anecdotes with research to argue for systemic changes in education, including better support for professional teachers. 

- Published by Columbia University Press, the book is 240 pages long and will be available in multiple formats. 

Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-27-25    

The article is a collection of blog posts and discussions covering diverse topics, including education reforms, political critiques, public health policies, and activism. It highlights issues such as systemic inequality in education, the impact of privatization, political controversies, and reflections on societal challenges.  

### Key Points  

- California introduces statewide resources to strengthen literacy and biliteracy instruction.   

- NYC parents and advocates urge postponement of a vote on student privacy regulations, emphasizing parental consent rights.   

- Diane Ravitch reflects on her Wellesley College reunion, her breast cancer diagnosis, and her dog’s terminal illness, emphasizing resilience and community support.   

- The American Academy of Arts and Sciences issues a statement condemning censorship, advocating for democratic principles, and emphasizing the protection of higher education and research independence.   

- Bruce Springsteen and other artists publicly criticize the Trump administration, emphasizing resistance to authoritarianism.   

- Donald Trump’s Memorial Day message is criticized as divisive and disrespectful, with comparisons to Christian values and commentary on his disregard for democratic principles.   

- Criticism of Trump’s policies highlights their harmful effects on veterans, including budget cuts and reduced healthcare access.   

- Ronald Reagan’s 1986 Memorial Day speech emphasizes the sacrifices of American servicemen and women, with reflections on Vietnam War veterans and broader socio-political issues.   

- Expanding school voucher programs strain state budgets, raising concerns about their sustainability and impact on public education.   

- Tennessee’s Education Freedom Act raises concerns over taxpayer funding for private schools with discriminatory practices, such as anti-LGBTQ policies.   

- The U.S. education system faces ideological and market-driven reforms, with critiques of standardized testing and privatization overshadowing systemic socioeconomic inequities.   

- Diane Ravitch’s upcoming memoir explores her shift from supporting conservative education reforms to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality.   

- Protests against Trump’s $45M birthday military parade emphasize resistance to authoritarianism and democratic values.   

- Teacher Tom critiques the cultural emphasis on work over play, advocating for child-centered learning and creativity.   

- Public health policies in schools, such as mask mandates, are analyzed for their broader community impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.   

- The article critiques the school voucher system for prioritizing profit over educational quality and calls for reforms to focus on public education.   

- A forward-looking plan, “Project 2029,” is proposed to counter political division and promote public institutions, infrastructure, and equity-focused policies.