"I WAS JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS": DOES THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY SHIELD TRUMP'S HENCHMEN

 

"I WAS JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS"
DOES THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY SHIELD TRUMP'S HENCHMEN

The age-old defense: "I was just following orders." It’s the legal equivalent of shrugging your shoulders and muttering, “Don’t blame me, I’m just the messenger.” While this excuse has been thoroughly roasted, rejected, and relegated to the annals of bad legal strategies—thank you, Nuremberg Trials—it seems to be enjoying a bit of a revival among certain members of the Trump administration. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can the Supreme Court’s embrace of the Unitary Executive Theory—a doctrine that essentially paints the president as a monarch with a really good PR team—extend its protective bubble to his loyal foot soldiers? And if so, what does that mean for accountability, constitutional law, and the future of avoiding responsibility with a straight face?

The Unitary Executive Theory: A Presidential Hall Pass?

Let’s start with the basics. The Unitary Executive Theory argues that all executive power is concentrated in the president. In its most extreme interpretation, it means that the president can do pretty much anything within the executive branch without interference from Congress or pesky laws. Think of it as a “Get Out of Jail Free” card for executive overreach.

Under this framework, Trump and his administration pushed boundaries like a teenager testing curfew limits. From controversial immigration policies to alleged violations of congressional spending powers, the administration seemed to operate under the assumption that if the president said it’s okay, it must be okay. And if you're an ICE agent, DOJ official, or HHS bureaucrat carrying out these orders, well, you might think you’ve got a nifty legal shield courtesy of your boss’s interpretation of constitutional authority.

But here’s where things get sticky. The Supreme Court has yet to definitively rule on whether the Unitary Executive Theory can absolve not just the president but also his underlings from legal consequences. It’s one thing to argue that the president is immune from certain lawsuits while in office (a claim that’s already controversial). It’s another thing entirely to suggest that immunity trickles down like some sort of authoritarian rainstorm, soaking everyone from cabinet secretaries to intern-level staffers.

"Just Following Orders": A Defense That History Already Dunked On

Let’s take a quick detour to Nuremberg, where some of history’s most infamous war criminals tried—and failed—to use the “just following orders” defense. Adolf Eichmann and his colleagues argued that they weren’t personally responsible for atrocities because they were simply obeying commands from higher-ups. The judges weren’t buying it. They ruled that individuals have a moral and legal duty to disobey illegal orders, especially when those orders involve crimes against humanity.

Fast forward to today, and the precedent set by Nuremberg still looms large. Whether you’re a soldier on the battlefield or a government official in Washington, “I was just following orders” doesn’t cut it when those orders violate the law. As noted in military law and international human rights doctrine, there’s an obligation to disobey illegal commands—even if doing so might make your boss very, very angry.

Trump’s Henchmen: Legal Accountability or Executive Immunity?

Now let’s apply this principle to Trump’s administration. Imagine you’re an ICE agent tasked with enforcing policies that contradict existing immigration laws passed by Congress. Or perhaps you’re a DOJ official who helps craft legal arguments to justify withholding funds Congress explicitly allocated for specific purposes. Do you get to claim immunity because you were “just following orders,” or does your personal accountability kick in like an unwelcome alarm clock?

The answer depends on how far courts are willing to stretch executive immunity. Historically, courts have been reluctant to extend blanket immunity to lower-level officials simply because they were acting on presidential orders. After all, if every government employee could dodge accountability by pointing up the chain of command, we’d be living in a bureaucratic Wild West where laws are more like suggestions.

Take the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), for example. U.S. service members are required to disobey patently illegal orders—a principle rooted in both constitutional law and ethical conduct. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s been drilled into military training since Nuremberg. The same logic applies to civilian government officials: If an order violates the Constitution or federal law, you don’t get a free pass for carrying it out.

The Supreme Court: Will They Remember Nuremberg?

Here’s where things get interesting—and potentially terrifying. The Supreme Court has increasingly leaned toward expanding executive power in recent years, with decisions that bolster presidential authority at the expense of congressional oversight. If this trend continues, could we see a ruling that essentially says, “As long as you’re following presidential orders, you’re untouchable”? Let’s hope not.

Justice demands accountability, even when it’s inconvenient for those in power. The Nuremberg Trials didn’t just reject the “following orders” defense; they established a precedent that individuals are responsible for their actions, no matter who told them to act. If the Supreme Court were to ignore this legacy in favor of shielding government officials under an expanded Unitary Executive Theory, it would undermine decades of progress in holding leaders—and their subordinates—accountable.

Constitutional Violations: A Greatest Hits Album

Let’s not forget that many of Trump’s policies raised serious constitutional red flags. From alleged First Amendment infringements (hello, attacks on journalists) to ignoring Congress’s budgetary authority (remember when funds were redirected for border wall construction?), there was no shortage of legal controversy during his administration. And while Trump himself might argue that his actions were protected under executive privilege or immunity, what about everyone else involved?

If ICE agents carried out unconstitutional immigration raids or HHS officials implemented policies that violated federal laws, can they really hide behind the president’s coattails? The Constitution doesn’t work that way—or at least it shouldn’t. Accountability isn’t supposed to stop at the Oval Office door.

Lessons from History—and Psychology

Let’s end with a quick nod to psychology because, let’s face it, understanding human behavior helps us grasp why people follow orders—even bad ones. Stanley Milgram’s famous experiments on obedience showed that people are surprisingly willing to carry out harmful actions when instructed by authority figures. But here’s the kicker: Feeling coerced doesn’t absolve responsibility. New research suggests that while coercion dampens people’s sense of agency, it doesn’t erase their ethical obligations.

In other words: Sure, you might feel less responsible when you’re “just following orders,” but that doesn’t mean you aren’t responsible.

Final Thoughts: Accountability Matters

At its core, this debate isn’t just about Trump or his administration—it’s about whether we value accountability as a cornerstone of democracy. If courts start handing out immunity like participation trophies to government officials who violate laws under presidential orders, we risk eroding the very principles that make our system work.

So let’s hope the Supreme Court remembers Nuremberg and rejects any attempt to expand executive immunity into a catch-all excuse for bad behavior. Because at the end of the day, “I was just following orders” should stay where it belongs: in history books as a cautionary tale—not as a viable defense in modern America.

How the Nazi’s defense of ‘just following orders’ plays out in the mind | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-the-nazis-defense-of-just-following-orders-plays-out-in-the-mind 

Obeying Orders | Facing History & Ourselves https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/obeying-orders 

tal 2020 issue 6 | The Army Lawyer | Periodicals | TJAGLCS https://tjaglcs.army.mil/Periodicals/The-Army-Lawyer/tal-2020-issue-6/Post/5691/Practice-Notes-Training-the-Defense-of-Superior-Orders 

Fact Sheet: “Following Orders” Is No Defense to War Crimes: The Duty to Disobey Illegal Military Orders - Human Rights First https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/fact-sheet-following-orders-is-no-defense-to-war-crimes-the-duty-to-disobey-illegal-military-orders/

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 7-25-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-24-25

Trump's "One Big Ugly Budget Bill" Increases Taxes on Some Colleges, Eliminates It on Others https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/24/trumps-one-ugly-budget-bill-ups-taxes-on-some-colleges-reduces-it-on-others/ via @dianeravitch 

Trump's "One Big Ugly Budget Bill" significantly altered the taxation of college endowments. Initially, a 1.4% tax was imposed on large endowments in 2017, but the 2025 proposal increased rates to as high as 21%. The final version exempted smaller colleges with fewer than 3,000 students, including conservative Hillsdale College, while raising taxes on larger institutions like Harvard and MIT. The exemption sparked controversy, as critics argued the tax punishes students by reducing funds for scholarships. Ultimately, the Senate scaled back the rate hikes, setting a maximum of 8%, but the debate highlighted political motivations behind targeting certain schools.

### Key Points

- Trump’s 2017 tax imposed a 1.4% excise tax on large college endowments, reducing funds for scholarships and operating expenses. 

- The 2025 proposal raised the tax rate to up to 21%, but smaller colleges with fewer than 3,000 students were exempted, benefiting conservative Hillsdale College and others. 

- Larger universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale faced increased rates, with some taxed up to 8%, while smaller liberal arts colleges gained tax relief. 

- Senate Parliamentarian ruled against exemptions for religious schools and those not taking federal aid, leading to a compromise on the 3,000-student threshold. 

- Critics argued the tax punishes students by reducing scholarship funding, while policymakers warned exempt schools may face future tax hikes. 

Judd Legum: Elon Musk Company Sought Federal Designation as "Disadvantaged" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/24/judd-legum-musk-company-applied-for-federal-grant-as-economically-disadvantaged/ via @dianeravitch 

Judd Legum’s blog highlights Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, falsely claiming the federal “Small Disadvantaged Business” (SDB) designation, intended for businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Despite Musk’s immense wealth and lack of eligibility, Neuralink self-certified as an SDB in federal filings to gain preferential access to government contracts. The article also notes Musk’s contradictory stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which he has publicly criticized while Neuralink attempted to benefit from related federal initiatives. Legal risks of false certification are discussed, as similar cases have led to prosecutions and penalties.

### Key Points

- Neuralink falsely certified itself as a "Small Disadvantaged Business" to gain federal benefits, despite Elon Musk’s wealth and ineligibility. 

- Federal regulations require SDBs to be majority-owned by economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, which Musk does not qualify for. 

- Neuralink’s filings on federal databases have claimed SDB status since 2017, potentially to access grants and contracts. 

- Legal consequences for false certifications are significant, with past cases resulting in fines and imprisonment. 

- Musk has criticized DEI programs publicly, despite Neuralink’s attempts to benefit from related federal initiatives. 

Charter School Director Indicted for Fraud and Embezzlement https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/24/charter-school-director-arrested-for-fraud-and-embezzlement/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses the indictment of Nicholas A. Retana, the former director and founder of a California charter school, for fraud and embezzlement. Retana allegedly misused over $1.06 million in federal funds for personal expenses, including buying trucks for his sons and paying a self-proclaimed relationship coach with whom he had a personal connection. The case highlights the lack of accountability in charter school funding and governance.

### Key Points

- Nicholas A. Retana, a former charter school director, was indicted for embezzling over $1.06 million in federal funds. 

- Retana used school funds for personal expenses, such as purchasing Ford F-150 trucks for his sons and paying a relationship coach with no relevant licensure. 

- The audit revealed corruption and misrepresentation of expenses in school records. 

- Retana faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. 

Big Education Ape: A PARENT'S 30-YEAR ODYSSEY IN AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/a-parents-30-year-odyssey-in-american.html 

A parent's 30-year journey through the American public education system highlights the challenges and transformations within public schools, emphasizing the impact of policies like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Common Core. The narrative critiques the privatization of education, budget cuts, and racial disparities while advocating for the preservation of public education's democratic values.

### Key Points

- A parent's reflections on choosing public education for its diversity and authenticity over private and charter schools. 

- The influence of No Child Left Behind and Common Core standards, leading to frustrations with modern teaching methods and systemic changes. 

- Participation in site councils revealed deep issues like budget cuts, loss of electives, and the erosion of joyful educational programs. 

- Privatization efforts, fueled by billionaire-backed policies, undermined public schools and exacerbated racial inequalities. 

- Advocacy for public education as a vital democratic institution, despite its imperfections, and a call to action for parents and teachers to continue fighting for its future. 

Big Education Ape: PUTTING YOUR BEST HOOF (OR FOOT) FORWARD: WHY DEMOCRATS NEED TO WIN THE MESSAGING WAR IN 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/putting-your-best-hoof-or-foot-forward.html

### Key Points

- Democrats need to refine their messaging strategy for the 2026 elections, focusing on universal values like health care, affordable housing, education, economic justice, and fairness under the law. 

- Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain important but should be framed as part of a broader narrative addressing bread-and-butter issues that resonate with voters. 

- Democrats should reclaim the narrative on economic issues, emphasizing policies that support working families, such as raising the minimum wage, expanding workers’ rights, and creating renewable energy jobs. 

- Simplified and emotionally resonant messaging is essential to compete with the GOP’s effective soundbite-driven strategy. 

- The Democratic Party must unapologetically champion justice reforms, including expanding the Supreme Court to restore balance in the judicial system. 

- Winning elections is not just about policy but about making voters feel that their lives can genuinely improve under Democratic leadership. 

The Book That Got Teaching Right (Samuel Freedman) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/07/24/the-book-that-got-teaching-right-samuel-freedman-2/ via @CubanLarry 

The Book That Got Teaching Right (Samuel Freedman)

### Key Points

- Samuel Freedman reflects on Bel Kaufman's novel "Up the Down Staircase," which portrays the challenges and triumphs of a New York City high school teacher, Sylvia Barrett. 

- The novel, written in an innovative style using memos, notes, and circulars, captures the struggles of teaching in underfunded and overcrowded schools while addressing issues like student dropouts, societal pressures, and personal conflicts. 

- Kaufman’s work highlights the shifting dynamics of public education during the mid-20th century, including integration, immigration, and urban changes, while showcasing the resilience of teachers amid systemic challenges. 

- The book critiques the growing trend of teacher scapegoating in education reform, which has persisted through decades, with teachers often portrayed as obstacles rather than contributors to educational progress. 

- Freedman advocates for the enduring relevance of "Up the Down Staircase" as an empathetic and truthful account of the teaching profession, urging modern audiences to rediscover its lessons. 

What Do the July 1 Federal School Funding Cuts Mean for Students, Communities, and the Constitution? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/07/24/what-do-the-july-1-federal-school-funding-cuts-mean-for-students-communities-and-the-constitution/ via @janresseger 

### Key Points

- The Trump administration withheld nearly $7 billion in federal education funding on July 1, citing concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming and potential violations of civil rights laws. 

- $1.4 billion was restored for after-school and summer learning programs but with strict conditions to avoid discrimination violations. 

- Programs supporting migrant families, English learners, teacher development, and adult education were among those affected by the remaining $5.4 billion cuts. 

- High-poverty districts, schools with large populations of English learners, and majority-student-of-color districts are disproportionately impacted. 

- A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the withholding of funds was illegal. 

- Congress members, including Republicans, protested the funding cuts, stating they contradict the administration's goal of returning education control to states. 

- The administration's actions are an example of illegal impoundment, bypassing Congress's authority over federal spending. 

- The administration has not submitted a formal rescissions package to Congress for the withheld education funds, leaving the situation unresolved. 

Back in the saddle again https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/7/24/2334928/-Back-in-the-saddle-again?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken 

The article recounts the experiences of a 79-year-old teacher, "TeacherKen," who is returning to teaching after a year-long hiatus due to relocation. He shares his excitement about teaching middle school students at the Academy for the Middle Years Northwest (AMY NW) in Philadelphia. The article highlights his preparations, challenges with outdated textbooks, and his passion for inspiring young minds despite his age. It also includes comments from readers supporting his decision, offering ideas for teaching, and expressing admiration for his dedication.

### Key Points

- TeacherKen, at 79, returns to teaching after relocating to Pennsylvania, taking a position as the sole Social Studies teacher at AMY NW, a small magnet middle school in Philadelphia. 

- He will teach sixth, seventh, and eighth grades with a focus on Eastern Hemisphere studies, U.S. History, and World History, using creative methods due to outdated textbooks. 

- The student body is economically disadvantaged, with all students qualifying for free and reduced meals. TeacherKen aims to inspire them and address cultural, racial, and economic issues within the curriculum. 

- Readers admire his decision, offer teaching suggestions, and encourage hands-on activities like plays, historical reenactments, and crafting projects to engage students. 

- TeacherKen sacrifices community roles to focus on teaching but emphasizes the importance of staying active and contributing to society, which he believes keeps him energized and young at heart. 

Teacher Tom: Academic Preschool Harms Children https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/academic-preschool-harms-children.html 

Academic Preschool Harms Children

### Key Points

- Early academic training in preschools, such as literacy and math drills, is harmful to children and not developmentally appropriate. 

- These practices contribute to childhood anxiety and depression, while proponents argue they offer short-term academic benefits for disadvantaged children. 

- Research, including the Perry Preschool Project and Tennessee Pre-K program, shows that short-term academic advantages fade quickly, and children in academic-based programs often perform worse long-term. 

- Play-based preschool programs yield better long-term outcomes, including improved social-emotional skills, higher graduation rates, and fewer behavioral issues. 

- Teacher Tom's Play-Based Learning Summer Camp aims to empower educators and parents to advocate for play-based learning over academic preschools. 

Revisiting Deceitful Claims about School Funding and Outcomes (a thread) – School Finance 101 https://schoolfinance101.com/2025/07/24/revisiting-deceitful-claims-about-school-funding-and-outcomes-a-thread/ 

### Key Points

- The article criticizes the "cottage industry" that perpetuates the false claim that school funding does not impact educational outcomes, specifically targeting misleading analyses like "long-term trend" and "clouds of doubt" graphs. 

- The author highlights that these analyses are intentionally deceptive and have been debunked multiple times but continue to influence policymakers. 

- Links to rigorous analyses and resources are provided to counter these flawed arguments, including reports, books, and papers on the relationship between school funding and outcomes. 

- The author, Bruce D. Baker, is a professor at Rutgers University with extensive expertise in school finance policy, and he has contributed significantly to research on educational equity and funding. 

- Baker has also consulted for state legislatures and testified in school finance litigation, emphasizing his authority in this field. 

When Saying Yes Was a Mistake: Finding Your Way Back – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/24/dont-take-the-wrong-job-when-returning-to-joy-is-the-best-move-you-can-make/ 

When Saying Yes Was a Mistake: Finding Your Way Back

### Key Points

- The article discusses the risks of accepting jobs that seem ideal on paper but misalign with personal values, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout. 

- Reflecting on timing and alignment is crucial when considering career opportunities, as rushing into roles can lead to regret. 

- The story of Scott Frost, a football coach, illustrates how taking a prestigious but misaligned job can result in professional and personal struggles. 

- Frost’s decision to step back, reconnect with his values, and prioritize joy over prestige serves as a lesson in career resilience and self-awareness. 

- The article emphasizes choosing roles that align with personal purpose and values, even if they appear less prestigious, to protect well-being and peace. 

glen brown: Captain Benjamin L. Salomon https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/captain-benjamin-l-salomon.html 

The article is a compilation of diverse topics, reflections, and events, blending historical anecdotes, social justice issues, personal musings, and contemporary political commentary. It highlights the heroism of Captain Benjamin L. Salomon during WWII, critiques societal and political challenges, and discusses themes like pensions, education reform, racism, and environmental concerns. The content also includes literary quotes, personal reflections, and various blog posts addressing current affairs and historical moments.

### Key Points

- Captain Benjamin L. Salomon's extraordinary heroism in WWII, detailing his actions during the Battle of Saipan. 

- Reflections on the role of a writer, emphasizing resistance to oppression and isolation as noble pursuits. 

- Criticism of political figures and policies, including Trump and the Supreme Court's decisions, alongside broader concerns about democracy and justice. 

- Social justice topics like adjunct faculty struggles, public pensions, environmental issues, and healthcare inequities. 

- Personal and historical anecdotes, such as the loss of a card catalog symbolizing life's work and moments of inspiration from the Declaration of Independence. 

- Miscellaneous themes like poetry, animal injustice, humor, and cultural reflections (e.g., Beatles, baseball). 

Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: A Teacher Tries AI With Student Writing | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/teacher-tries-ai 

### Key Points

- Seventh-grade ELA teacher Katie Durkin shares her experience using SchoolAI, an educational chatbot, to provide writing feedback to students while maintaining traditional writing conferences. 

- Durkin emphasizes the importance of human feedback in writing, trials SchoolAI with a small group of students first, and ensures AI is not used for final grades. 

- SchoolAI's Education Coach feature offers specific feedback on realistic fiction stories, helping students improve character development, dialogue, and grammar without giving polished text examples. 

- The Essay Grading Assistant feature evaluates edited stories based on a rubric, providing detailed grammar feedback and enabling Durkin to plan follow-up conferences. 

- Durkin believes AI can positively transform education if used responsibly, ensuring it complements rather than replaces personal teacher-student interactions.

Education Research Report: Youth at risk of suicide show early warning signs that adults often miss https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/youth-at-risk-of-suicide-show-early.html 

### Key Points

- A 25-year study by McGill University researchers identified two patterns of suicidal thoughts in youth and highlighted early warning signs often missed by adults. 

- Suicidal ideation starts in two distinct phases: early adolescence (ages 12-13) and young adulthood (ages 20-25). 

- Early-onset suicidal thoughts were linked to childhood mental health struggles, including disruptive behavior (external symptoms) and depression/anxiety (internal symptoms). 

- Parents and teachers often recognized external symptoms but overlooked internal emotional distress. 

- Young adult-onset suicidal thoughts were mainly preceded by internal symptoms starting in teenage years. 

- Early interventions and age-appropriate mental health programs in schools can effectively prevent suicidal thoughts. 

- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in Canada, emphasizing the importance of early prevention. 

Step Up’s Plan B: Redirect Title I, Privatize Public Education – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/step-ups-plan-b-redirect-title-i-privatize-public-education/ 

Florida’s education system is at the center of a debate over federal Title I funding, which supports public schools serving low-income students. A nonprofit, Step Up For Students, is advocating for redirecting these funds toward private school vouchers, citing barriers such as affordability and accessibility in the current voucher system. Their report, “Going With Plan B,” outlines policy recommendations to expand private education options, including repurposing public school facilities and increasing voucher amounts for low-income families. Critics warn that such moves could undermine public education by diverting resources from schools that serve the majority of vulnerable students.

### Key Points

- Title I funding supports public schools with high percentages of low-income students, providing essential resources like staff, training, and materials. 

- Step Up For Students reported that many families awarded vouchers couldn’t use them due to private school costs, transportation issues, or satisfaction with public schools. 

- Proposed policies include allowing private schools to use public school facilities, easing zoning regulations, and publicly funding private school transportation. 

- Step Up advocates raising voucher amounts for low-income families, arguing it will increase private school access and supply. 

- The group sees a potential opportunity to redirect Title I funds into block grants for vouchers, aligning with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. 

- Critics argue that converting Title I funds into block grants risks reducing accountability, equity, and transparency, ultimately harming public schools. 

- Redirecting federal funds to private schools could jeopardize public education for low-income students, creating an unregulated private system. 

Schools Matter: Call to Action on Impeachment http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/07/call-to-action-on-impeachment.html 

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-impeach-trump

### Key Points

- The Progressive Party advocates for the impeachment of Donald Trump, citing at least 10 impeachable offenses and multiple felony crimes. 

- Accusations against Trump include obstruction of justice, violations of the foreign and domestic emoluments clauses, abuse of power, undermining the judiciary, and suppressing press freedom. 

- Article I of the impeachment resolution focuses on obstruction of justice, alleging Trump impeded investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. 

- The Progressive Party Action Network provides tools for organizing progressive causes but does not endorse unlawful activities. 

- The platform offers various features like petitions, events, surveys, and fundraising tools, along with partnerships for organizations. 

Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · AFT on Mobilize

https://www.mobilize.us/aft/?org_ids=7229 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-24-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01044760118.html 

### Summary  

This article compiles various blog posts and articles addressing topics such as education reform, political controversies, systemic inequality, and public policy. Key themes include the challenges in public education, the rise of authoritarianism, misuse of funds in charter schools, and the importance of parental involvement in student learning. It also highlights advocacy efforts for equity, transparency, and justice in education and politics.  

### Key Points  

- A teacher experimented with AI tools in student writing, reflecting on its potential and challenges.   

- The director of a California charter school was indicted for fraud and embezzlement, raising accountability concerns for charter schools.   

- Heather Cox Richardson analyzed Trump’s declining approval ratings, citing public opposition to his immigration policies, tariff strategies, and handling of the Epstein files.   

- Arnold and Carol Hillman worked in South Carolina to improve rural education but faced systemic issues like racism, resource shortages, and poor infrastructure. They launched mentoring programs and co-founded advocacy organizations.   

- Parental involvement, rather than teacher evaluations or economic status, is the most critical factor in student learning, with activities like storytelling and reading having the greatest impact.   

- A parent’s 30-year journey through public education emphasized the challenges of privatization, budget cuts, and systemic racial disparities while advocating for public education’s democratic values.   

- Democrats are refining their messaging strategies for the 2026 elections by focusing on relatable storytelling and universal values like healthcare, housing, and education.   

- Diane Ravitch transitioned from supporting conservative reforms to defending public education, advocating for equitable funding and opposing privatization.   

- Charter schools like IDEA faced scrutiny for financial misuse, cohort shrinkage, and prioritizing business decisions over student welfare.   

- Betrayal in leadership often arises subtly, with leaders encouraged to recognize patterns and protect their teams.   

- Play-based learning emphasizes curiosity-driven education, modeling values through interaction rather than traditional teaching methods.   

- Chicago’s gun violence issues highlight systemic neglect in underserved areas, challenging political narratives about crime reduction.   

- Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program was ruled unconstitutional for diverting public funds to private religious schools, exacerbating inequities in education funding.   

- Metro Nashville Public Schools settled a discrimination lawsuit for $6.5 million, raising concerns about systemic issues and misuse of legal budgets.   

- Far-right extremism in the U.S. is normalizing authoritarianism and targeting education to suppress critical thinking.   

- AI integration in education raises concerns about academic dishonesty and undermining genuine learning.