Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-8-25
Trump’s Threat to Harvard’s Tax-Exempt Status and Federal Funding### Key Points
- Former President Trump threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a power he does not legally hold, as part of his broader efforts to intimidate dissenting institutions.
- Trump’s administration used federal agencies to target Harvard, including suspending billions in research funding and threatening its ability to enroll international students.
- The administration demanded sensitive information about foreign students and faculty, which critics view as harassment and an attack on academic freedom.
- Trump’s actions reflect a pattern of using federal power to silence critics and enforce compliance, undermining democratic principles.
- Critics argue that Trump’s behavior, including supporting anti-Semitic figures while claiming to combat anti-Semitism, is contradictory and politically motivated.
- Observers suggest Trump’s actions are political theater aimed at eroding public outrage and normalizing unconstitutional behavior.
Secretary Linda McMahon Sent a Rude, Threatening Letter to Harvard https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/07/secretary-linda-mcmahons-unhinged-threatening-letter-to-harvard/ via @dianeravitch
The Trump administration has targeted Harvard University for alleged non-compliance with its policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and affirmative action. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sent a threatening letter to Harvard, accusing the university of racism and mismanagement, and warning that federal funding would be withheld unless Harvard conformed to the administration's demands. Harvard has strongly opposed this federal interference, defending academic freedom and rejecting the accusations. The university plans to challenge these actions legally, emphasizing the importance of independence for private institutions.### Key Points
- The Trump administration accused Harvard of failing to combat anti-Semitism, practicing DEI policies, and engaging in "racism" by admitting and hiring nonwhite individuals.
- Secretary Linda McMahon sent a threatening letter to Harvard, announcing the withholding of $2.2 billion in federal research funding and accusing the university of mismanagement.
- McMahon criticized Harvard's commitment to affirmative action and diversity, equating it with abandoning merit-based excellence, despite her own questionable qualifications.
- Harvard responded with a dignified statement, rejecting the administration's demands and defending academic freedom and institutional independence.
- The university emphasized its commitment to following the law, promoting viewpoint diversity, and combating anti-Semitism, while opposing illegal government overreach.
Thom Hartmann: Trump and the Death of Our Ideals https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/07/thom-hartmann-trump-and-the-death-of-our-ideals/ via @dianeravitch
Thom Hartmann’s article, shared on Diane Ravitch’s blog, critiques former President Donald Trump, portraying him as a destructive force against democracy, decency, and truth. Hartmann highlights Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, his disregard for empathy, and his role in fostering cruelty, corruption, and chaos. The piece outlines Trump's dismantling of democratic norms, including his mishandling of the COVID pandemic, incitement of violence, and authoritarian policies targeting immigrants. Hartmann calls for vigilance and collective action to resist Trump’s influence and preserve democracy.### Key Points
- Thom Hartmann describes Trump as a destructive figure, characterized by narcissism, cruelty, and an intent to dismantle democracy.
- Trump’s policies and actions, such as caging children, supporting white supremacists, and mishandling COVID, are highlighted as emblematic of his disregard for human decency and truth.
- Hartmann accuses Trump of inciting violence, attempting to overthrow elections, and fostering an environment of corruption and chaos.
- The article warns of authoritarian practices, including deporting legal U.S. residents, and describes Trump’s regime as a threat to democracy.
- Hartmann urges readers to stay vigilant, protest, and actively participate in defending democracy against Trump’s influence.
Joyce Vance: Good News! It's Working! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/07/joyce-vance-good-news/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points- Senator Thom Tillis opposes Ed Martin's nomination as U.S. Attorney in D.C. due to Martin's support for January 6 insurrectionists, effectively blocking his confirmation.
- Martin's nomination faced criticism for his lack of qualifications, ties to antisemitic individuals, and controversial stances.
- Pro-democracy efforts, including public advocacy and research, played a significant role in opposing Martin's nomination, showing the impact of collective action.
- Trump administration's environmental policies, such as halting air-quality monitoring in national parks, faced backlash and were reversed after public and media pressure.
- A partially declassified memo undermined Trump's justification for invoking the Alien Enemies Act against a Venezuelan gang, exposing misinformation.
- North Carolina Supreme Court race concluded with Democrat Allison Riggs declared the winner, reinforcing democratic principles despite opposition challenges.
Teacher Tom: "No Parking" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-parking.html
Teacher Tom reflects on the ineffectiveness of directive signs and rules, emphasizing the importance of providing information instead of commands. He argues that empowering children to think for themselves fosters cooperation and self-motivation, rather than compliance driven by fear of punishment. He promotes a course that teaches how to use informative language to create environments where children can make thoughtful decisions independently.### Key Points
- Directive signs often fail because humans resist commands; informative signs are more effective in guiding behavior.
- Punishment-based rule enforcement creates compliance out of fear, not genuine understanding or moral reasoning.
- Empowering children through informative communication fosters independence, problem-solving, and self-motivation.
- Teacher Tom offers a course on using language to encourage children to think critically and cooperate peacefully.
Beyond Apples and Hashtags: What Teacher Appreciation Really Requires – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/07/beyond-apples-and-hashtags-what-teacher-appreciation-really-requires/
Wisdom Beyond Apples and Hashtags: What Teacher Appreciation Really Requires### Key Points
- Teacher Appreciation Week highlights gestures of gratitude for educators, but true appreciation requires systemic changes and action.
- Teachers need respect, protection, fair pay, and supportive policies, as many current political actions harm public education.
- Educators play multifaceted roles, addressing students' emotional, social, and academic needs, often under challenging conditions.
- Teachers of color face additional challenges, including institutional barriers and representation pressures.
- True appreciation involves systemic support, such as fully funding schools, protecting educators from political attacks, respecting unions, and reducing reliance on standardized testing.
- Gratitude for teachers should go beyond symbolic acts and focus on ensuring the profession's sustainability for future generations.
Big Lies of Education: Word Gap https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/05/07/big-lies-of-education-word-gap/ via @plthomasEdD
Big Lies of Education: Word Gap challenges the widely accepted notion of the "word gap," which claims that children from lower-income families hear significantly fewer words than their affluent peers, hindering their vocabulary and academic success. The article critiques the deficit-based ideology behind this narrative, highlighting its flawed methodology, class and racial biases, and its role in perpetuating educational inequality. It emphasizes that vocabulary size is not an indicator of intelligence or moral character and calls for a shift away from deficit thinking toward a more inclusive understanding of literacy and language.### Key Points
- The "word gap" narrative suggests that poor children hear fewer words than affluent children, leading to academic disadvantages.
- This narrative is rooted in deficit ideologies, flawed research, and biases of class, race, and methodology.
- The media and high-profile initiatives amplified the "word gap" story, further entrenching deficit beliefs about marginalized families.
- Vocabulary size does not measure intelligence or character; deficit thinking misrepresents the language and culture of marginalized groups.
- Scholars and educators advocate for rejecting deficit views and exploring more inclusive literacy practices.
We are ARISE! | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2025/05/07/we-are-arise/ We Are ARISE! https://open.substack.com/pub/jd2718/p/we-are-arise?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
ARISE is a passionate union transforming UFT into a member-led organization, advocating for education, social justice, and community empowerment through proactive and transparent leadership.Detailed Summary for [ARISE- Alliance of Retired and In- Service Educators-Who We Are!
Unlisted](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvwwXCdh8UQ) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvwwXCdh8UQ&t=0.08) The video emphasizes the importance of a member-led union that actively engages educators and advocates for their needs, while also fostering strong connections between educators, students, and families.
- Introduction of the speaker's passion for the union and the vision for a more inclusive organization.}
- Call for a united effort among educators to confront challenges posed by budget cuts and advocate for better educational conditions.}
- Emphasis on the need for a union that supports not only educators but also the families and communities they serve.}
- Advocacy for a socially active union that fights for the needs of students, which in turn benefits educators.}
[01:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvwwXCdh8UQ&t=99.2) The video features educators discussing their commitment to the ARISE initiative, emphasizing the importance of transparency, community involvement, and proactive leadership in the fight for educational equity and workers' rights.
- Introduction of a special education social studies teacher with extensive experience in the education system.}
- The speaker expresses a desire to be part of a union focused on organizing and transparency in negotiations.}
- A call for leadership that is proactive and understands the urgency of current challenges faced by educators and their communities.}
- The speaker outlines key issues the union is fighting for, including fully funded schools, healthcare, and housing justice.}
- A unifying message emphasizing the collective strength and mission of ARISE in advocating for educators and their communities.}
Progressive Magazine: Linda McMahon’s ‘Elegant Gaslighting’ of Democratic Senators | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/linda-mcmahon
### Key Points- Linda McMahon's confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education highlighted frustrations with her vague responses and lack of clarity on critical issues, such as the impact of federal education cuts and adherence to civil rights laws.
- McMahon's position reflects a broader Republican agenda to undermine public education through cuts, privatization, and dismantling the Department of Education, often masked by misleading rhetoric.
- Democrats challenged McMahon on specific issues affecting marginalized student populations but missed addressing the broader importance of a strong public education system for all Americans.
- Rural Republican lawmakers, like Senator Lisa Murkowski, acknowledged the impracticality of privatization in certain areas, but Democrats have yet to effectively counter Republican narratives with a cohesive alternative vision for public education.
- McMahon is expected to be approved by the Senate, signaling continued challenges for public education and the need for Democrats to address the fundamental threats to the system.
Schools Matter: An Unforgettable Tesla Takedown http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/an-unforgettable-tesla-takedown.html
An analysis of the blog post reveals a mix of topics related to education, societal issues, and critiques of corporate and political entities. The article highlights a specific critique titled "An Unforgettable Tesla Takedown" and references various other posts and ideas discussed by the author, James Horn.### Key Points
- The blog post critiques Tesla and its association with controversial topics, as suggested by the title "An Unforgettable Tesla Takedown."
- The author references a variety of education-related issues, such as poverty's role in education, excessive testing, and the influence of corporate interests on schools.
- The blog archives reflect a long history of critiques on education reform, testing, and systemic issues in public schooling.
- Topics such as the "No Excuses" teaching model, corporate charter schools, and the impact of poverty on education are recurrent themes.
This Is How To Vote https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/this-is-how-to-vote?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points- Arthur Goldstein shares a short two-minute video tutorial on how to vote, featuring his wife Myriam as the videographer, his dog Julio, and Daniel Alicea for editing and captioning the video.
- The video aims to encourage union improvements and collaboration among members.
- Positive feedback is received from viewers, including a comment from Chad Hamilton appreciating the effort.
- A mention of the Union Matters Podcast highlights union-related discussions and the creator's support for union reform.
**"This Is How To Vote"** by Arthur Goldstein. Here's a brief overview of its content:
### Overview
- **Type:** Video tutorial (approximately 2 minutes long)
- **Content:** The video demonstrates the process of voting, including what to do upon receiving a ballot.
- **Contributors:**
- Arthur Goldstein (host)
- Myriam (recording)
- Julio (canine guest host)
- Daniel Alicea (video editing and captioning)
### Key Points
- The video aims to guide viewers on how to properly fill out and submit their ballots.
- It emphasizes the importance of participation in elections and union matters.
### Access
You can view the full article and video [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/this-is-how-to-vote?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&t=5.7&d=30.0).
If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
Chromebooks and Tariffs: Here We Go. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/05/07/chromebooks-and-tariffs-here-we-go/
Chromebooks and Tariffs: Here We Go. The article discusses the impact of Trump-era tariffs on the affordability and availability of Chromebooks, which are critical for K12 education due to their low cost and high utility. The tariffs, particularly the 145% increase on goods from China, have caused significant price hikes, threatening the sustainability of 1-to-1 computer learning models in schools. Schools face challenges in replacing aging devices, with options like passing costs to parents or extending the life of old Chromebooks being less than ideal. The broader impact of tariffs on electronics, including laptops and components, is also explored, highlighting their effect on global supply chains and budget-friendly devices. Federal funding cuts further exacerbate the financial strain on schools.
### Key Points
- Trump-era tariffs, especially the 145% increase on Chinese goods, raise Chromebook prices, affecting K12 education budgets.
- Schools face challenges in replacing aging Chromebooks, with limited solutions like buying pre-tariff stock, extending device life, or passing costs to parents.
- Tariffs disrupt global electronics supply chains, increasing costs of laptops and components, with budget-friendly models like Chromebooks being hardest hit.
- Federal education funding cuts, including a proposed 70% reduction in programs, further strain schools' ability to manage costs.
Education Research Report: Racism in schools harms Black youths’ mental health https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/racism-in-schools-harms-black-youths.html
Education Research Report: Racism in schools harms Black youths’ mental health### Key Points
- A University of Ottawa study establishes a causal link between racial discrimination in schools and symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and PTSD among Black students.
- The study, led by Professor Jude Mary Cรฉnat, focused on seven Canadian provinces where 98.3% of the Black population resides, using quantitative data and interviews.
- Over 40% of Black students report experiencing racial discrimination in schools, debunking the myth that schools are universally safe spaces.
- Racial discrimination in schools erodes trust, creates a permissive climate of racism, and negatively impacts the mental health of Black students, their families, and communities.
- Teachers and school authorities often fail to intervene adequately in cases of racial discrimination.
- Professor Cรฉnat stresses the need for systemic reforms, including culturally appropriate policies, anti-racist interventions, and educator training to make schools inclusive and safe.
DEI is NOT a Marxist Plot – It’s a Map to Justice | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/05/07/dei-is-not-a-marxist-plot-its-a-map-to-justice/
Elected school boards are a pillar of American democracy, but Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become a contentious issue in U.S. politics. The article critiques right-wing opposition to DEI, led by figures like Donald Trump, Christopher Rufo, and Robby Starbuck, who view these programs as harmful or ideologically driven. It highlights the historical and systemic inequalities DEI seeks to address and argues that these initiatives promote justice, innovation, and equity in society and the workplace. The article also notes the dangers of both right-wing hostility and liberal missteps in advancing DEI goals.### Key Points
- DEI programs face opposition from right-wing figures like Donald Trump, Christopher Rufo, and Robby Starbuck, who claim these initiatives harm white people and promote leftist ideologies.
- DEI is defined as fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across race, gender, and other identities, aiming to create fairness and representation. Corporate research shows DEI benefits innovation, profits, and employee retention.
- Historical context shows systemic discrimination against non-white groups, such as segregation of Mexican-American students, exclusion of Chinese immigrants, and forced reeducation of Native American children. DEI seeks to address these inequalities.
- Critics like Rufo and Starbuck use misinformation to frame DEI and related concepts like critical race theory as threats, influencing political actions such as Trump's executive orders.
- While DEI has its challenges, opposition to it often aligns with white nationalist ideologies, and education is key to addressing racism and promoting inclusion.
SPI, Newsom Announce $618M for Community Schools - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel25.asp State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom announced the final allocation of over $618 million in grants under the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), supporting 458 additional community schools. This initiative, part of a $4.1 billion program, aims to address barriers to learning by integrating health, mental health, and social services with education. The program now funds nearly 2,500 schools, benefiting high-need communities across California and improving student outcomes, family well-being, and community upliftment.
### Key Points
- California has allocated over $618 million in the final round of CCSPP grants to support 458 community schools.
- The program focuses on integrating health, mental health, and social services with education to improve student wellness and academic success.
- Nearly 2,500 community schools in California are funded, targeting high-need school communities.
- Schools like Elk Hills Elementary and Buena Vista Horace Mann demonstrate improved outcomes, including better attendance, academic performance, and reduced absenteeism, through CCSPP funding.
- The initiative is part of California's broader transformation of public education, including universal free meals, transitional kindergarten, and teacher training investments.
Tracking the Trump Administration’s Harmful Executive Actions | Congressman Steve Cohen https://cohen.house.gov/TrumpAdminTracker
The article details a series of executive actions and policies enacted by the Trump Administration in 2025, which have been met with widespread criticism and legal challenges. These actions include targeting legal firms, stripping power from independent agencies, cutting funding for public health, education, and environmental programs, and rolling back protections for civil rights and economic equity. Congressman Cohen, along with other lawmakers and advocacy groups, is actively opposing these measures through legal, legislative, and advocacy efforts.### Key Points
- The Trump Administration targeted prominent law firms with executive orders, accusing them of unethical conduct and imposing sanctions. These actions have sparked legal challenges.
- An executive order was issued to bring independent regulatory agencies under White House control, undermining their independence. This is being challenged in court.
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was granted access to sensitive government payment systems, raising concerns about data security. Legal challenges are ongoing.
- Federal grant funding was frozen, disrupting public health, education, and infrastructure projects. This has resulted in lawsuits and partial restoration of funding.
- An executive order attempted to end birthright citizenship, violating the 14th Amendment. Federal courts have blocked the order.
- The Trump Administration dismantled USAID, halting key international aid programs, including HIV/AIDS prevention. Legal and bipartisan opposition continues.
- Mass emails were sent to federal workers encouraging resignations, creating fear and uncertainty. Legal challenges have been filed.
- Probationary federal employees were terminated en masse, but a court ruled the actions unlawful.
- Rollbacks to healthcare regulations under the ACA have threatened access to care for millions. Legal challenges are ongoing.
- Affordable drug pricing policies were rescinded, increasing costs for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Lawsuits have been filed.
- The U.S. withdrew from the WHO, jeopardizing global health initiatives. Efforts to block the withdrawal are underway.
- NIH grant funding for indirect costs was reduced, threatening medical research and economic activity. A court blocked the policy.
- An executive order was issued to dismantle the Department of Education, sparking legal and political opposition.
- Cuts to Pell Grants and federal student loan programs have made higher education less accessible. Lawsuits are ongoing.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other student debt relief programs were rolled back, creating uncertainty for borrowers.
- Environmental protections were rolled back, weakening air and water quality regulations and reversing climate policies.
- The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, reversing progress on global climate commitments.
- Funding for clean energy and sustainability programs was slashed, threatening jobs and climate initiatives.
- Federal small business grants, including those for minority- and women-owned businesses, were halted, leading to lawsuits.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-7-25
### Summary
The article is a comprehensive roundup of recent political, educational, and societal issues, including controversies surrounding public education policies, challenges to democracy, and grassroots activism. It highlights the impacts of systemic inequalities, authoritarian governance, and resistance efforts to preserve democratic values and public education.
### Key Points
- Racism in schools harms Black students' mental health, as a University of Ottawa study links racial discrimination to depression symptoms.
- Orthodox Jewish schools in New York fail to meet state education requirements while receiving public funding, raising accountability concerns.
- Ed Martin, appointed as U.S. Attorney in D.C., has a history of ethical violations and politicized actions, including dismissing January 6 cases.
- Ohio's Fair School Funding Plan was abandoned, with funds diverted to private vouchers, exacerbating inequities in public education.
- Donald Trump’s policies, including annexation ideas and revised U.S. history exhibits, sparked criticism for promoting authoritarianism and censorship.
- Teacher Tom critiques the use of dismissive language like "I know" with children, emphasizing meaningful engagement to foster curiosity.
- Edtech exhibitions promote technology as transformative for education but often prioritize market interests over public needs.
- "Disruption" in education is being misused to attack DEI initiatives, tenure, and academic freedom, threatening equity and inclusion.
- Private school vouchers harm public education by diverting funds, benefiting wealthier families, and enabling discrimination.
- The Supreme Court's decisions on religious charter schools could undermine the secular foundation of public education.
- Growth mindset and grit theories lack robust evidence and may perpetuate systemic racism, diverting attention from societal inequities.
- Seattle Public Schools face financial deficits, declining enrollment, and governance issues, with upcoming elections offering reform opportunities.
- RFK Jr.’s dismissal of lead poisoning prevention efforts has left vulnerable communities without federal support, worsening health and education outcomes.
- Grassroots activism has played a key role in resisting authoritarian policies, preserving democratic values, and challenging corporate-driven education reforms.
