Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-31-25
7-31-25
Trump Assaults Academic Freedom in Universities https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/30/trump-assaults-academic-freedom-in-universities/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump administration penalizes Columbia University with a $200 million settlement and external monitoring, allegedly for failing to address anti-Semitism, raising concerns about governmental interference in private institutions.
- The imposed monitor targets DEI initiatives, potentially restricting efforts to increase racial diversity among students, faculty, and staff.
- Harvard faces threats to accreditation, restrictions on foreign students, and withheld research funding, with rumors of a possible $500 million settlement.
- Other universities, including Duke and Johns Hopkins, are under investigation, with critics arguing these actions harm research and exacerbate anti-Semitism.
Department of Justice Withdraws Decree Requiring Schools in This Louisiana Parish to Integrate https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/30/department-of-justice-withdraws-decree-requiring-schools-in-this-louisiana-parish-to-integrate/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Department of Justice under Trump canceled a longstanding desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, originally established to enforce school integration.
- Consent decrees historically ensured compliance with desegregation laws, but the dismissal of the Plaquemines case bypassed standard procedures requiring proof of compliance.
- Experts warn that removing court oversight could lead to districts neglecting desegregation efforts, harming students of color by reducing access to resources and opportunities.
- The move reflects broader efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle civil rights protections for minorities, women, and LGBT individuals, focusing instead on benefiting white men.
- Historical context includes the resistance to desegregation in Plaquemines Parish led by segregationist Leander Perez, who established private segregation academies.
- Critics argue that integrated classrooms provide better educational outcomes and promote democratic values, while the rollback signals contempt for communities of color.
Indiana: College Enrollment Declines from 65% to 51.7% https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/30/indiana-college-enrollment-declines-from-65-to-51-7/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Indiana's college enrollment rate has dropped from 65% in 2015 to 51.7% in 2023.
- Critics blame financial barriers and reduced morale for the decline, alongside insufficient tuition support.
- State policies now prioritize career readiness and work-based learning over college preparation.
- Indiana lawmakers have cut over 400 academic degree programs and introduced new high school diplomas emphasizing workforce paths.
- Indiana's college-going rate has declined more than any other state tracked by the National Center for Education Statistics over 15 years.
Wait, WTF? Did Epstein and Maxwell Run the Whole Damn Show Themselves? https://ru4people.substack.com/p/wait-wtf-did-epstein-and-maxwell
Wait, WTF? Did Epstein and Maxwell Run the Whole Damn Show Themselves?
- The article questions the narrative that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell operated their global sex trafficking ring alone, highlighting the lack of accountability for other enablers or staff involved.
- Epstein and Maxwell’s operation allegedly abused hundreds of underage girls over decades, yet Maxwell is the only person serving time, while Epstein died in jail under suspicious circumstances.
- The article suggests a larger network of enablers, including pilots, housekeepers, security staff, and associates like Jean-Luc Brunel and Sarah Kellen, who have faced minimal scrutiny or prosecution.
- The FBI and DOJ have withheld extensive evidence from the public, claiming no client list or blackmail evidence exists, fueling suspicions of a cover-up to protect powerful figures.
- High-profile individuals linked to Epstein, such as Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Prince Andrew, deny wrongdoing, while the system seems to shield the elite from accountability.
- The article criticizes selective prosecution, with Maxwell as the scapegoat, while the broader network behind the operation remains untouched.
Big Education Ape: WHEN THE OPPRESSED BECOMES THE OPPRESSOR: NETANYAHU, GAZA AND THE TRAGIC IRONY OF POWER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/when-oppressed-becomes-oppressor.html
This article delves into the tragic irony of power in Gaza, criticizing Israel's policies under Netanyahu, which rights groups argue amount to genocide. The U.S. is highlighted as an enabler through financial and military support. Calls for international accountability and empathy are emphasized to break the cycle of violence.
### Key Points
- Analysis of Netanyahu's leadership and Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with accusations of genocide.
- U.S. financial and military support for Israel under scrutiny.
- Rights groups in Israel accuse their government of genocide in Gaza.
- International community's limited response to Gaza's crisis.
- The story of Richard Lakin highlights the potential for peace through empathy and education.
- Urgent call for global accountability and dialogue to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Big Education Ape: The Oligarchy Eats!: Welcome to Geoffrey and Elaine’s: Where the Elite Meet to Eat… People! https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-oligarchy-eats-welcome-to-geoffrey.html
A satirical article exposes the dark and absurd concept of a secretive ultra-exclusive restaurant run by cannibalistic oligarchs, Geoffrey and Elaine, catering to the elite by serving human staff as gourmet dishes. Benny, a busboy turned whistleblower, escapes and reveals the horrifying truth, sparking public outrage and online activism through the platform 'Wiki-Anon.' Despite efforts by wealthy patrons, media moguls, and corrupt officials to suppress the scandal, the story gains traction, highlighting the grotesque moral decay of the elite. However, justice remains elusive, and the restaurant continues to operate under a rebranded guise.
### Key Points
- A fictional restaurant run by cannibalistic oligarchs serves human staff as gourmet dishes for the ultra-wealthy.
- Benny, a busboy, escapes and exposes the truth, leading to public outrage and online activism via 'Wiki-Anon.'
- Efforts by media moguls, corrupt officials, and even the president suppress investigations, allowing the restaurant to continue operating.
Ghislaine Maxwell Is Not a Victim. She Is a Sexual Predator. | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/07/29/ghislaine-maxwell-is-not-a-victim-she-is-a-sexual-predator/
### Key Points
- Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually exploit minors.
- Maxwell groomed victims by befriending them, normalizing abuse, and facilitating sexual acts with Epstein.
- She and Epstein targeted vulnerable girls, often from financially difficult circumstances, and created a network of victims.
- Maxwell’s trial resulted in guilty verdicts for multiple charges, including conspiracy to entice minors and sex trafficking.
- Survivors shared harrowing testimonies, exposing Maxwell’s calculated manipulation and direct involvement in abuse.
Choosing Democracy: Education Funds Released https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/07/education-funds-released.html
Choosing Democracy: A discussion of major issues facing democracy with a focus on public schooling.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration reversed its illegal withholding of education funds due to collective activism, including lobbying efforts by AFT members and leaders.
- The TEACH conference energized educators, focusing on artificial intelligence, reading instruction, and making learning engaging and relevant, while addressing attacks on critical thinking and pluralism in schools.
- AFT members continue to fight against education cuts and advocate for affordability, opportunity, and dignity for all Americans.
- The blog emphasizes the importance of organizing to defend democracy and resisting authoritarianism, quoting Thomas Paine to inspire perseverance.
- The blog provides links and resources on education, democracy, and activism, showcasing ongoing efforts and historical archives.
Trump's war against alternative energy Standing on his private golf club in Scotland, DT declares Windmills Are ‘Killing Us’ https://klonsky.substack.com/p/trumps-war-against-alternative-energy
### Key Points
- Donald Trump criticizes wind turbines, claiming they harm aesthetics, wildlife, and the environment, despite evidence contradicting his statements.
- Trump has implemented policies to halt federal wind permits, framing his opposition as a fight to preserve landscapes rather than energy strategy.
- Wind turbines are cost-effective compared to fossil fuels, have a lifespan of 20-25 years, and are largely recyclable, though their fiberglass blades are non-biodegradable.
- Bird deaths caused by wind turbines are significantly lower than those caused by buildings and house cats, and studies show minimal impact on bird populations.
- Trump uses fossil fuels as geopolitical tools, increasing U.S. oil and gas exports to reshape alliances and counter rivals like Russia.
- China's leadership in clean energy and wind power contrasts with Trump's climate policy retreat, positioning China as a global climate governance leader.
- Scotland is advancing wave energy technology, showcasing renewable alternatives that align with environmental goals.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: What About Using AI at JSCEE? https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-about-using-ai-at-jscee.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools Board plans a special meeting to negotiate Fred Podesta's employment contract as Interim Superintendent until June 2026 or a new Superintendent is appointed.
- The Board is criticized for rushing important decisions without adequate public review, including approving contracts and strategic plans.
- Renewal of the school bus safety program with stop paddle cameras is proposed, with increased service costs and concerns about potential financial losses.
- Allegations of nepotism within the district highlight staff promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Strategic planning and community engagement efforts are questioned for lack of inclusivity and effectiveness.
Curmudgucation: What the Free Market Does for Education and Equality | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-free-market
- The free market approach to education prioritizes marketing over quality, fostering inequality and discrimination.
- Market-driven school reforms focus on attracting high-performing, low-cost students while marginalizing others, including LGBTQ and minority groups.
- The ideology behind market-based education perpetuates societal layers, favoring wealthy families and neglecting the needs of poorer communities.
- School choice programs often reinforce status-based educational tiers, allowing wealthier families to avoid funding education for disadvantaged children.
- The belief in inherent inequality among people undermines democracy and public education's foundational role in promoting equity.
- Public education is critical to the nation’s ideals, but market-based systems threaten its ability to provide equal opportunities for all.
Decline Is Not Destiny: The Fast-Track Formula for Success – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/30/decline-is-not-destiny-the-fast-track-formula-for-success/
### Key Points
- Decline is not inevitable; transformation can happen rapidly when leadership trusts and empowers communities to act.
- Success in reversing institutional decline relies on coordinated efforts, aligned values, and bold decision-making.
- Effective leadership listens, supports innovation, and trusts faculty, staff, and students to lead change.
- Resistance to change is natural, but bold leadership is essential to overcome opposition and drive equity and excellence.
- Creativity and innovation must be rooted in equity and purpose, with ethical imagination guiding the adoption of new technologies.
- Transformation requires collaboration, clarity, courage, and structures that allow experimentation and learning.
- Communities can rebuild quickly when leaders create space for trust, support, and collective action.
Teacher Tom: Facts About Play-Based Learning https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/facts-about-play-based-learning.html
### Key Points
- Finland's educational system, built on evidence and research, is considered the best globally, while the US struggles due to reliance on unqualified policymaking.
- Research suggests formal literacy instruction should start at age seven, as early reading negatively impacts emotional and academic development.
- Finland emphasizes equity, happiness, and play-based learning in early childhood education, supported by overwhelming research.
- The US prioritizes standardized testing and rigid instruction, causing long-term harm to children despite evidence favoring play-based learning.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that play is essential for children's overall health, while academic-style instruction harms young children.
- Teacher Tom advocates for play-based education through his summer camp, providing tools and insights for creating authentic play environments.
- The blog encourages readers to explore linked research and resources supporting play-based learning.
Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Education Research Report: New research highlights how NIL is reshaping college athlete identity https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/new-research-highlights-how-nil-is.html
Ada Valley Meat Company Recalls Ground Beef On July 29, 2025, Ada Valley Meat Company recalled approximately 1,065 pounds of fully cooked frozen ground beef product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/adavalleymeatcorecall.asp
### Key Points
- Tennessee school district leaders display solidarity with Director Dr. Adrienne Battle amidst controversy over a $6.5 million legal settlement tied to wrongful demotions and firings under her leadership.
- Social media campaign #IAmWithHer raises concerns about loyalty tests and surveillance culture within Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).
- MNPS leadership has a history of deflecting accountability, as seen in past crises, including the Antioch High School shooting.
- Persistent mistrust and fear of retaliation continue to plague MNPS, highlighting a failure to address systemic leadership issues over the last decade.
- Lawrence County bans sick notes for excusing absences, sparking backlash over ethical and health risks tied to the policy.
- Tennessee explores managing federal education funds independently, risking oversight challenges while maintaining reliance on $1.8 billion in federal funding.
- High-profile exits at the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and opposition to Penny Schwinn’s nomination for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education underscore political tensions in education leadership.
AI Blueprint for Schools by Katie Page | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/07/30/ai-blueprint-for-schools-by-katie-page/
- Technological innovations often face resistance and fear due to their disruptive nature but ultimately provide opportunities for progress, as seen with the printing press, calculators, and personal computers.
- Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology that is here to stay, and educators should embrace it as a tool to explore profound questions about humanity and leverage its potential in teaching.
- The book "AI Blueprint for Schools" by Katie Page is recommended as a guide for educators to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices and adapt to the changing world.
July’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School… https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/07/30/julys-parent-engagement-resources-2/
- The article provides various resources and strategies for engaging parents in schools, including podcasts, tech nights, screen-free learning, and consistent communication methods.
- It highlights parenting priorities to prevent mental health challenges during summer and offers ways to guide kids in discussing assignments with parents.
- Tips for increasing family engagement in special education and intentional planning for family and community involvement are shared.
- The author mentions their books on student motivation and teaching English Language Learners, offering strategies and tools for educators.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-30-25
7-30-25
Summary
The article provides a collection of discussions on education, political controversies, societal issues, and cultural topics. It highlights challenges in education reform, privatization, equity-driven leadership, AI integration, systemic inequities, and broader societal concerns like immigration enforcement, Christian Nationalism, and ranked-choice voting.
### Key Points
- Trump aimed to eliminate the Department of Education, blaming it for imposing DEI ideology and other societal issues, despite its actual role being unrelated to curriculum decisions.
- The Supreme Court allowed Trump to proceed with dismantling the Department, ignoring constitutional and statutory protections established by Congress.
- Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, highlighting legal prohibitions against abolishing the Department and the harm to students and civil rights caused by the decision.
- Trump’s budget bill deepens class divides, benefiting the wealthy while reducing opportunities for the poor.
- Voucher programs redirect public funds upward, straining resources for public schools.
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters enforces MAGA-aligned education policies, hiring PragerU to test teachers' ideological alignment.
- Walters incorporates conspiracy theories about the 2020 election into Oklahoma's history standards.
- Jeff Bezos shifted the Washington Post’s editorial stance, halting presidential endorsements and causing significant staff turnover.
- Rights groups accuse Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza of genocide, with U.S. financial and military support under scrutiny.
- A fictional restaurant run by cannibalistic oligarchs serves human staff as gourmet dishes for the ultra-wealthy.
- Play-based learning encourages collaboration and mirrors real-world problem-solving.
- WMU offers leadership courses emphasizing ethical and inclusive leadership, global advocacy, and service-learning projects.
- The DOE’s class size plan for 2025-2026 lacks concrete strategies and accountability.
- Christian Nationalism influences education policies, promoting revisionist history and religious-centric narratives.
- Arizona’s universal school voucher program primarily benefits wealthy families, creating a $206 million funding shortfall.
- AI integration in classrooms raises concerns about its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually exploit minors.
- NYC DOE’s failure to present a viable plan to meet class size reduction mandates risks larger class sizes for students.
