Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 9-4-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

9-3-25

Jan Resseger: Federal Courts Block Trump Efforts to Abolish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/jan-resseger-federal-courts-block-trump-efforts-to-abolish-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/ via @dianeravitch 

### Key Points

- Federal courts blocked Trump administration efforts to abolish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and universities, citing constitutional violations and improper administrative procedures. 

- U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Trump appointee, ruled that the administration’s anti-DEI measures violated free speech protections under the First Amendment. 

- The Trump administration’s actions aimed to redefine DEI initiatives as discriminatory, targeting racial equity programs, scholarships, and diverse teacher recruitment efforts. 

- The legal battle may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, but the recent ruling provides relief to educators and school districts facing federal threats to funding. 

- Historical context from landmark cases like West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette highlights the importance of protecting free speech and avoiding government-compelled orthodoxy. 

Some of the Artworks That Trump Will Remove from the Smithsonian https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/trumps-list-of-artworks-he-will-remove-from-smithsonian/ via @dianeravitch 

This article discusses President Trump's efforts to review and potentially censor exhibits at Smithsonian museums that he perceives as unpatriotic or overly critical of the United States. The exhibits targeted include those addressing systemic racism, LGBTQ+ history, feminist speculative fiction, and historical perspectives on the Texas Revolution and Mexican-American War. The article also highlights criticism of Trump's actions and provides links to related posts.

### Key Points

- President Trump plans to remove or censor Smithsonian exhibits that portray the U.S. in a negative light, including those addressing systemic racism and LGBTQ+ history. 

- Specific exhibits targeted include displays on "white dominant culture," feminist speculative fiction inspired by Drexciya, and critiques of historical events such as the Texas Revolution and Mexican-American War. 

- Critics argue these actions reflect censorship and an attempt to suppress diverse perspectives on U.S. history and culture. 

John Thompson: Will Oklahoma Test Students on Their Knowledge of Christian Nationalism? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/john-thompson-will-oklahoma-test-students-on-their-knowledge-of-christian-nationalism/ via @dianeravitch 

John Thompson critiques Oklahoma's education policy under State Superintendent Ryan Walters, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing to privately purchased benchmark assessments without federal or public approval. Walters' decisions align with Christian Nationalist ideologies, raising concerns about biased metrics, the impact on marginalized students, and the politicization of education. The article also questions the efficacy of high-stakes testing, the challenges of school accountability, and the implications of integrating religious teachings into public education.

### Key Points

- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters proposes replacing standardized tests with private benchmark assessments, bypassing federal and local input. 

- Walters' policies prioritize Christian Nationalist ideologies, including references to Christianity and claims about the 2020 election. 

- Critics argue that high-stakes testing has historically harmed teaching quality and learning outcomes. 

- Accountability-driven reforms have disproportionately affected schools serving impoverished and traumatized students. 

- Religious integration in schools raises concerns about constitutional violations and potential conflicts between denominations. 

- Bipartisan opposition exists against Walters' methods, with calls for a more collaborative approach to education reform. 

Pastors for Texas Children Speak Out Against the Harm of Standardized Testing https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/pastors-for-texas-children-speak-out-against-the-harm-of-standardized-testing/ via @dianeravitch 

Pastors for Texas Children Speak Out Against the Harm of Standardized Testing

### Key Points

- Pastors for Texas Children opposed voucher legislation but were defeated by Governor Abbott, who ousted moderate Republicans with the backing of billionaire Christian nationalists. 

- Texas legislators have long prioritized test scores, ignoring the harm standardized testing causes to students, teachers, and the joy of learning. 

- Standardized tests narrow curricula, discourage creativity, and impose a one-size-fits-all approach, causing stress and stigma, especially for vulnerable communities. 

- Teachers face restrictions and pressure, transforming classrooms into test-prep environments rather than spaces for curiosity and growth. 

- Public schools suffer when accountability is reduced to test results; HB 8 fails to address these issues effectively. 

- The Pastors advocate for removing high stakes from standardized tests and reforming assessments to encourage genuine learning and honor educators. 

- Critics argue standardized testing is driven by profiteering rather than educational improvement, citing corporate lobbying and financial interests like Pearson’s $500 million Texas contract. 

- Misuse of standardized test scores has led to negative consequences for students, schools, and teachers, particularly in high-poverty areas. 

DOJ Lawyer Accused Harvard of "Indifference to Anti-Semitism." As an Undergraduate, He Wrote a Paper from Hitler's View https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/doj-lawyer-accused-harvard-of-indifference-to-anti-semitism-as-an-undergraduate-he-wrote-a-paper-from-hitlers-view/ via @dianeravitch

DOJ lawyer Michael Velchik, who is leading a case accusing Harvard University of antisemitism, has a controversial past. As a Harvard undergraduate, he wrote a paper from Adolf Hitler's perspective, which disturbed his instructor and led to a redo request. He also expressed admiration for Hitler’s book "Mein Kampf" in private correspondence, omitting mention of the Holocaust. Velchik's actions raise questions about his intellectual provocations and the implications for his current role. Separately, a Federal Court of Australia ruled that criticizing Israel is not inherently antisemitic, distinguishing political criticism from racial prejudice.

### Key Points

- Michael Velchik, a DOJ lawyer accusing Harvard of antisemitism, wrote a controversial paper from Hitler's perspective during his undergraduate years. 

- Velchik expressed admiration for "Mein Kampf" in private correspondence, raising concerns about his views. 

- A Federal Court of Australia ruled that criticizing Israel's policies is not equivalent to antisemitism, emphasizing the distinction between political criticism and racial prejudice. 

Florida: DeSantis Criminalizes Street Art https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/florida-desantis-criminalizes-street-art/ via @dianeravitch

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified his crackdown on street art, targeting colorful crosswalks, including the rainbow-striped memorial near Pulse nightclub, which honored victims of the 2016 LGBTQ+ massacre. Protesters who used chalk to restore the rainbow pattern were arrested, sparking debates over free speech and property rights. The state claims safety concerns over decorative crosswalks, though data suggests they reduce pedestrian accidents. Critics view the actions as discriminatory and an attack on LGBTQ+ rights.

### Key Points

- Governor DeSantis ordered the removal of rainbow-colored crosswalks near Pulse nightclub, a memorial for victims of the 2016 massacre. 

- Protesters restoring the memorial with chalk were arrested, with the state citing interference with traffic control devices. 

- Florida officials claim decorative crosswalks pose safety risks, though city data shows they reduce pedestrian accidents. 

- The crackdown extends to other street art statewide, including bike lanes and murals, sparking criticism of targeting LGBTQ+ symbols. 

- Legal and civil rights debates have arisen, with protesters arguing chalk art is protected under the First Amendment. 

Florida Eliminates All Vaccine Requirements for School Children https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/03/florida-eliminates-all-vaccine-requirements-for-school-children/ via @dianeravitch 

Florida has become the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates for schoolchildren, a decision announced by Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. This policy shift, which dismisses decades of public health practices, has sparked significant criticism from medical professionals and the public. The move aligns with growing anti-vaccine sentiments and raises concerns about the potential resurgence of preventable diseases.

### Key Points

- Florida eliminates all vaccine requirements for schoolchildren, becoming the first state to do so. 

- Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, Florida’s Surgeon General, and Governor Ron DeSantis justify the decision as a matter of personal and parental choice. 

- The policy is criticized as dangerous, undermining public health and risking outbreaks of preventable diseases. 

- The decision aligns with anti-vaccine rhetoric and broader Christian nationalist influences in policymaking, sparking concerns about the separation of church and state. 

- Immunization rates are already declining nationwide, with increasing exemptions for personal or religious reasons. 

Big Education Ape: THE EPSTEIN SCANDAL: POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND THE WOMEN WHO REFUSE TO BE SILENCED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-epstein-scandal-power-privilege-and.html 

The article explores the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, highlighting the systemic abuse enabled by power, privilege, and cultural norms. It delves into the cultural roots of male privilege shaped by the 'Playboy' era, the survivors' relentless fight for justice, and the political implications of the case. The survivors demand transparency and accountability, challenging the structures that allowed Epstein’s crimes to thrive.

### Key Points

- The Epstein scandal exposed a trafficking empire fueled by wealth and male privilege, with survivors demanding accountability despite systemic cover-ups. 

- The cultural roots of male privilege stem from the mid-20th-century 'Playboy' ethos, which normalized the exploitation of women under the guise of liberation. 

- Survivors like Virginia Giuffre and others are pushing for transparency through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, facing threats but gaining bipartisan support. 

- The scandal highlights America’s paradoxical attitudes toward sex, shaped by Puritan values and the exploitation of private indulgence by powerful men. 

- The case is a political flashpoint, with survivors challenging both parties and demanding unredacted government files to uncover Epstein’s network. 

- The survivors are rewriting cultural narratives, dismantling male privilege, and leading a movement for systemic change in the #MeToo era. 

Big Education Ape: THE CHALKBOARD SMACKDOWN: WHEN CLASSROOM VIOLENCE MEETS THE WWE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-chalkboard-smackdown-when-classroom.html 

Big Education Ape explores the challenges faced by educators amidst rising classroom violence, systemic failures, and societal pressures. It highlights the physical, verbal, and psychological abuse teachers endure, exacerbated by underreporting, lack of administrative support, and ideological conflicts. The article advocates for better training, smaller class sizes, and robust support systems to address these issues and protect educators.

### Key Points

- Teachers face increasing violence, including physical attacks, verbal abuse, and threats, worsened by underreporting and lack of administrative accountability. 

- The COVID-19 pandemic intensified aggression against educators, even during remote learning periods. 

- School administrations often fail to act effectively, leaving teachers unsupported and contributing to burnout and high turnover rates. 

- The Supreme Court decision in *Mahmoud v. Taylor* has fueled ideological conflicts, increasing harassment from parents over progressive values. 

- Teachers' unions provide critical advocacy but struggle against systemic barriers and insufficient resources. 

- The article calls for mandatory conflict de-escalation training, smaller class sizes, and improved reporting systems to protect educators. 

Big Education Ape: STEPHEN MILLER: THE BLACK-HEARTED BUREAUCRAT WHO MOONLIGHTS AS LUCIFER’S SPEECHWRITER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/stephen-miller-black-hearted-bureaucrat.html 

The article extensively critiques Stephen Miller, portraying him as a divisive political figure responsible for controversial policies such as family separation, promoting white nationalism, the Muslim ban, and other xenophobic actions. His loyalty to Trump and strategic influence are emphasized, alongside sharp criticism from various sources and figures. The tone is satirical but based on credible references.

### Key Points

- Arthur Goldstein advocates for Medicare and critiques Unity's self-praise. 

- Trump's Gaza plan is linked to displacement and alleged genocide architecture. 

- Stephen Miller is depicted as the architect of family separation policies. 

- Miller's association with white nationalist ideologies is highlighted. 

- Miller’s involvement in crafting the Muslim ban and other divisive policies is criticized. 

- His loyalty to Trump and strategic influence in amplifying divisive rhetoric are examined. 

- Miller faces widespread condemnation for his extremist views and policies. 

- The article uses satire to critique Miller’s political actions and influence. 

Big Education Ape: THE GOLDEN CABINET AND THE IRON FIST: A LABOR DAY LOOK AT TRUMP'S OLIGARCHY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-golden-cabinet-and-iron-fist-labor.html 

New: Public spaces, politics, and policy: historical entanglements with irrational momentism (Bloomsbury) https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/09/03/new-public-spaces-politics-and-policy-historical-entanglements-with-irrational-momentism-bloomsbury/ via @plthomasEdD 

Dr. P.L. Thomas critiques the cyclical rhetoric surrounding reading policies, including terms like "war," "crisis," and "miracle," arguing that these narratives often manufacture crises for profit and misrepresent the true state of literacy in the U.S. He advocates for rejecting crisis rhetoric and focusing on equity-driven solutions that address the literacy needs of all students. His work spans critical examinations of education reform, the "Science of Reading," and broader socio-political themes, emphasizing the importance of critical media literacy and social justice.

### Key Points

- Dr. Thomas critiques the "war," "crisis," and "miracle" cycles in reading policy, urging a focus on equity-driven solutions. 

- He challenges the "Science of Reading" and harmful policies stemming from it. 

- The author rejects crisis rhetoric in education and literacy, arguing there is no literacy crisis in the U.S. 

- His work spans education reform, critical media literacy, social justice, and broader socio-political issues. 

Teacher Tom: A Crack in Everything https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-crack-in-everything.html 

Teacher Tom reflects on the unique "junkyard playground" at Woodland Park, a space filled with broken and discarded items where children play freely without constraints. He emphasizes the value of imperfection and creativity, noting that children thrive in this environment, finding endless uses for items deemed worthless by others. This playground encourages freedom, imagination, and a different perspective on value, highlighting the beauty in embracing flaws and the temporary nature of material possessions.

### Key Points

- Teacher Tom describes the "junkyard playground" as a place filled with broken and discarded items that inspire creative and unrestricted play. 

- Children find endless play value in items others consider garbage, demonstrating their ability to redefine worth and use. 

- The playground offers a rare freedom where children are not required to be careful with objects, fostering creativity and independence. 

- Teacher Tom reflects on Leonard Cohen's quote about cracks letting light in, using it as a metaphor for embracing imperfection and the transient nature of value. 

The Heist: How the Powerful Are Robbing America’s Children https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/the-heist-how-the-powerful-are-robbing 

The article discusses the systemic neglect and exploitation of children in America, likened to a metaphorical "heist" where the powerful rob children of essential resources, care, and opportunities. Using the viral incident of a CEO stealing a hat from a child at the U.S. Open as a metaphor, the author highlights how policies and legislation favor the wealthy at the expense of children's health, education, and well-being. It calls for urgent action to reverse these injustices and reinvest in children as the nation's future.

### Key Points  

- A viral moment at the U.S. Open, where a CEO stole a hat from a child, serves as a metaphor for entitlement and systemic exploitation of children in American politics.   

- Children are disproportionately affected by funding cuts in health care, education, and nutrition, while billionaires and corporations benefit from favorable policies.   

- H.R. 1, a tax bill, significantly reduces funding for children's health programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP, while offering tax breaks to the wealthy.   

- Voucher programs siphon public school funds to private schools, benefiting affluent families and leaving marginalized children behind.   

- Federal spending on children is disproportionately low, with less than 10% of the budget allocated to them, and this share is projected to decline further.   

- Structural issues in the federal budget process systematically shortchange children, favoring programs for adults and the wealthy.   

- Political systems reward the organized and powerful, leaving children without representation or advocacy in decision-making.   

- The article calls for reinvestment in children through policies like restoring the Child Tax Credit, expanding Medicaid and CHIP, and rebuilding public schools. 

Is there really a decline in pleasure reading? https://flanagann.substack.com/p/is-there-really-a-decline-in-pleasure 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the reported decline in pleasure reading, citing a study showing a 40% drop in Americans reading for fun from 2003 to 2023. 

- Anne Helen Peterson suggests that people might not be reading less but are consuming information differently, emphasizing the importance of preserving reading for pleasure to enrich lives. 

- A veteran teacher observed a noticeable decline in students' enjoyment of reading, partly due to rigid instructional practices and disrupted learning during the pandemic. 

- Michigan's reading scores show minimal declines for younger students but significant proficiency for eighth graders, raising questions about assessment methods and the definition of "proficient." 

- The article critiques the focus on improving scores over fostering a love for reading, linking this to broader educational challenges and pandemic-related disruptions. 

Melania Trump: A Cautionary Tale of Absence? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/03/melania-trump-and-the-minimal-effort-era-a-cautionary-tale-of-leadership/ 

Melania Trump’s second tenure as first lady is characterized by minimal public engagement and token gestures, reframed by supporters as strategic influence. Her absence serves as a cautionary tale about leadership reduced to avoidance, a trend increasingly seen across politics and education. Effective leadership requires presence, courage, and vision, not survival through silence or minimal effort.

### Key Points

- Melania Trump’s leadership style as first lady is defined by absence, minimal effort, and curated appearances. 

- Her disengagement is reframed by supporters as mystique and influence, but it fails to provide sustained leadership. 

- This strategy mirrors a broader trend in leadership, where avoidance and minimalism are normalized as wisdom across institutions. 

- Leaders who prioritize survival over action fail their institutions, deepening inequities and eroding trust. 

- Effective leadership requires visibility, risk-taking, and a commitment to transformation, as exemplified by past leaders like Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. 

- Absence masquerading as influence ultimately leads to institutional decline and a failure to serve the public. 

Why Adults Still Dream About School (Kelly Conaboy) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/09/03/why-adults-still-dream-about-school-kelly-conaboy/ via @CubanLarry 

Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

### Key Points

- The recurring school-related anxiety dream is common among adults, often reflecting feelings of inadequacy or stress tied to evaluation by authority figures. 

- Dream researcher Deirdre Barrett suggests these dreams are rooted in performance-based anxiety and revisiting foundational experiences from school that shaped beliefs about success and failure. 

- Dream analyst Jane Teresa Anderson explains that dreams help process memories and emotions, allowing individuals to shift their mindset by revisiting past experiences tied to current anxieties. 

- School-themed anxiety dreams are linked to the foundational beliefs formed during early education, which may persist into adulthood despite being irrelevant to current challenges. 

- Barrett posits that these dreams may have an evolutionary purpose, encouraging individuals to improve their skills and survival capabilities in modern contexts. 

- Anderson offers a method to overcome recurring anxiety dreams by reimagining a positive outcome, helping to change the mindset and alleviate stress. 

Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000: OpenAI Does a Sinophobia | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/openai-does-sinophobia 

### Key Points

- The NPR report on OpenAI's actions against covert operations tied to China highlights Sinophobic framing, positioning OpenAI as a defender against harmful foreign activity while minimizing its own accountability. 

- OpenAI's technology, such as ChatGPT, is criticized for its lack of watermarking and its facilitation of manipulation campaigns, fraud, and mental health crises. 

- OpenAI's surveillance activities and data collection practices raise concerns about privacy and unaccountable power, with the company acting beyond the constraints of democratic oversight. 

- The blog emphasizes the need for critical journalism to hold powerful entities like OpenAI accountable, rather than simply exposing their actions without deeper analysis. 

CURMUDGUCATION: The Big Standardized Test Is Still The Worst Thing In Education https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-big-standardized-test-is-still.html 

The article criticizes the Big Standardized Test (BS Test) as a major force undermining public education. It argues that the test prioritizes data collection and accountability over meaningful learning, reducing the richness of educational content and turning schools into test-prep factories. The BS Test fosters harmful practices like sorting students, dehumanizing education, and stripping autonomy from teachers. The author claims there is no evidence that higher test scores improve life outcomes and calls for its elimination to reclaim time, money, and focus for genuine education reform.

### Key Points

- The BS Test has distorted public education, prioritizing data over meaningful learning and reducing diverse subjects in favor of test-focused content. 

- Schools sort students into groups based on their likelihood of scoring well, with intensive test prep for borderline cases, making education serve test scores rather than students' needs. 

- The test perpetuates shallow ideas about learning, focusing on selecting the "right answer" rather than fostering understanding. 

- BS Test scores have been misused to justify privatization and undermine public schools, making them less appealing to parents. 

- The pandemic pause exposed the flaws of test-centered schooling, but inertia and vested interests kept the BS Test in place. 

- The BS Test fails to provide meaningful accountability or improve life outcomes, despite decades of use. 

- Eliminating the BS Test would allow for better use of resources and focus on improving public education. 

CURMUDGUCATION: Drones In Schools https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/drones-in-schools.html 

Drones are increasingly being introduced into school surveillance systems, raising concerns about privacy, safety, and potential misuse. The article highlights the expansion of student surveillance technologies, including drones equipped with AI, pepper rounds, and glass breakers, pitched as cost-effective tools for school security. While advocates emphasize their ability to respond to emergencies, critics warn of potential abuses, such as constant monitoring of students or inappropriate use in non-emergency situations. This trend reflects broader issues in balancing safety with ethical considerations in education.

### Key Points

- Student surveillance technologies, including drones, have rapidly grown, especially since 2020, despite ethical concerns. 

- Drones are marketed as cost-effective tools for school safety, capable of real-time monitoring and emergency response, including incapacitating active shooters. 

- Concerns arise about misuse, such as drones monitoring students constantly or being deployed for minor incidents. 

- Florida and Texas are leading examples, with armed drones integrated into school safety measures. 

- Critics question the broader implications and potential abuses of drone surveillance in schools. 

SURVIVORS VS. THE SYSTEM POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND A REFUSAL TO SHUT UP https://ru4people.substack.com/p/survivors-vs-the-system 

SURVIVORS VS. THE SYSTEM: POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND A REFUSAL TO SHUT UP

### Key Points

- The Jeffrey Epstein scandal highlights systemic abuse, male privilege, and the courage of survivors fighting against power and wealth. 

- Epstein's powerful connections and exploitation of feminist ideals reveal a culture of entitlement and objectification. 

- Survivors have shared their stories of abuse, demanding transparency and accountability from institutions that ignored their reports for decades. 

- Political efforts, such as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aim to uncover the truth, though resistance remains. 

- Male privilege and a culture shaped by Playboy-era values allowed Epstein and others to operate without consequences. 

- Survivors continue their fight by compiling names of Epstein’s associates, challenging the systems that enabled his crimes. 

- Despite threats and harassment, survivors are demanding justice, proving the power of truth over wealth and influence. 

CHALKBOARD SMACKDOWN BATTLE TEACHERS FACE IN THE RING OF REALITY https://ru4people.substack.com/p/chalkboard-smackdown 

CHALKBOARD SMACKDOWN BATTLE TEACHERS FACE IN THE RING OF REALITY explores the challenges educators face in modern classrooms, highlighting the alarming rise in violence against teachers. The article uses satire to imagine a WWE-style Secretary of Education, emphasizing the absurdity of current conditions while advocating for systemic reforms to protect educators.

### Key Points

- Teachers face increasing violence in classrooms, including verbal abuse, physical attacks, and threats from students and parents. 

- Statistics show significant victimization rates, with many educators experiencing emotional distress and burnout. 

- Overcrowding, understaffing, and external factors like poverty and mental health challenges contribute to classroom tensions. 

- Legal rulings like Mahmoud v. Taylor intensify scrutiny on teachers, adding pressure amidst culture wars in education. 

- Proposed solutions include crisis intervention training, better administrative support, smaller class sizes, and increased mental health resources. 

- Teachers should not have to endure violence as part of their job, and systemic changes are necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. 

Privatized Education Disaster in New Orleans | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/09/03/privatized-education-disaster-in-new-orleans/ 

Elected school boards are fundamental to American democracy, but the privatization of New Orleans schools following Hurricane Katrina has been widely criticized as a failure. The shift to an all-charter school system, heavily funded by billionaires, resulted in increased costs, diminished local control, and poor educational outcomes. Despite claims of improved student performance, data remains questionable and comparisons are unreliable. The system has faced lawsuits, community discontent, and accusations of undermining public education for profit.

### Key Points

- The privatization of New Orleans schools post-Katrina was driven by billionaire-funded initiatives but has failed to deliver promised improvements. 

- The Recovery School District (RSD) replaced public schools with charter schools, eroding local control and increasing transportation costs for students. 

- Claims of improved outcomes, such as testing and graduation rates, are disputed due to lack of reliable data and national trends. 

- Community members and experts have criticized the charter school model, comparing it to exploitative experiments and calling for a return to neighborhood public schools. 

- Lawsuits and non-disclosure agreements highlight troubling practices within charter schools, while closures have been frequent, destabilizing the education system. 

glen brown: This Attack on Medicare https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/this-attack-on-medicare.html 

A blog post by Glen Brown highlights a critical healthcare issue involving Donald Trump and Dr. Oz's proposal to introduce AI-powered "Death Panels" into Medicare. The plan would outsource prior authorization decisions for medical procedures to AI systems, incentivizing companies to deny care for profit. The pilot program is set to launch in six states in January 2025, threatening Medicare's historically transparent and accessible coverage. The post urges readers to email Congress to block this initiative and protect healthcare funding.

### Key Points

- Trump and Dr. Oz propose AI-powered prior authorization for Medicare, risking denial of essential care. 

- AI companies would profit from rejecting medical procedures recommended by doctors. 

- The pilot program starts in January 2025 in six states, potentially expanding to more procedures and locations. 

- The blog calls for public action to pressure Congress into stopping the initiative. 

- Medicare's popularity makes this proposal a significant political risk for Republicans. 

glen brown: "The rush to deport children in the middle of the night on a holiday weekend" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-rush-to-deport-children-in-middle.html

### Key Points

- The Trump administration attempted to deport up to 600 migrant children in the middle of the night during a holiday weekend, violating legal protections for unaccompanied minors. 

- These children were transferred from ORR custody to ICE custody, with plans to send them to Guatemala, where they could face dangerous conditions. 

- Judge Sparkle Sooknanan intervened with an emergency order to block the deportations, citing the administration's actions as imminent and unlawful. 

- All children were returned to ORR custody by Monday noon following the court's intervention. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-3-25

The article provides a detailed roundup of various political, educational, and societal issues, including public education reforms, privatization, labor rights, authoritarianism, and controversial policies under the Trump administration. It reflects on historical and current challenges, emphasizing advocacy, resistance, and the importance of public engagement to address inequities and protect democratic values.

### Key Points  

- Congress proposed a FY26 education bill cutting $12.1 billion (15%) in K-12 funding, disproportionately affecting high-poverty schools and rural communities.   

- Nine former CDC directors criticized RFK Jr. for undermining public health programs, vaccine efforts, and Medicaid coverage.   

- Jennifer Berkshire highlights the threats posed to public education by privatization, vouchers, and standardized testing, while emphasizing successful advocacy efforts.   

- The New Orleans education "miracle" narrative post-Hurricane Katrina is debunked, exposing segregation, poor outcomes, and failures of privatization.   

- Stephen Miller is critiqued for implementing divisive policies such as family separation, the Muslim ban, and promoting white nationalist ideologies.   

- Trump's administration is characterized by billionaire appointments, oligarchic policies, and deregulation, undermining democracy and favoring concentrated wealth.   

- Advocacy for labor rights and resistance against authoritarianism is emphasized through Labor Day protests and union mobilization efforts.   

- Junkyard playgrounds are advocated as spaces for unstructured play, fostering creativity and experimentation among children.   

- Challenges in Seattle Public Schools include nepotism, advanced learning services, and the loss of a beloved librarian.   

- The "GREAT" Displacement plan in Gaza is criticized as ethnic cleansing under the guise of voluntary relocation.   

- RFK Jr.'s appointment to lead HHS raises concerns about vaccine misinformation and weakened public health infrastructure.   

- AI-driven charter schools propose eliminating human teachers, sparking concerns about equity and accessibility in education.   

- Decline in pleasure reading among Americans prompts discussions on literacy and education reforms.   

- Advocacy for public education reform focuses on resisting privatization and addressing poverty's impact on learning.