Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-16-25
Trump is Incoherent on ICE Raids of Farm Workers https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/15/trump-is-incoherenton-ice-raids/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article discusses ICE raids targeting immigrant workers in agriculture and hospitality industries under Trump’s administration, which caused significant disruptions in California.
- Trump faced backlash from farmers and business owners who rely on immigrant labor, prompting him to direct ICE to halt arrests of agricultural, hotel, and restaurant workers.
- Trump’s response on Truth Social was criticized for being incoherent, as he claimed criminals were taking these jobs while also acknowledging the difficulty of replacing immigrant labor.
- The article sarcastically suggests Trump could encourage his supporters to take on these physically demanding jobs, questioning how many would actually apply.
Trump's Ignorant Comments about World War II https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/15/trumps-ignorant-comments-about-world-war-ii/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump incorrectly claimed Russia lost 51 million people in WWII and that Putin fought in the war, despite Putin being born in 1952.
- Historical context: Stalin initially allied with Hitler (Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact) before the USSR joined the Allies after Germany's invasion in 1941.
- Stalin's regime was marked by brutality, including mass executions, forced labor camps, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.
- Post-WWII, Germany and Japan transitioned to stable democracies, earning global admiration, while Russia remained authoritarian under Stalin and later leaders.
- Putin's current regime is criticized for human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and geopolitical aggression, contrasting with democratic reforms in Germany and Japan.
- Russia's economy is weak compared to its global influence, with sanctions and war in Ukraine further diminishing its power.
- The article references Russia's Cold War-era actions and its current strategies in the Middle East and Africa to expand influence.
ICYMI: Kingless Edition (6/15) https://open.substack.com/pub/curmudgucation/p/icymi-kingless-edition-615?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Kingless Edition (6/15) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/06/icymi-kingless-edition-615.html
ICYMI: Kingless Edition (6/15) highlights the ongoing challenges and developments in education policy, emphasizing the disproportionate benefits of school voucher programs for wealthy families, the undermining of public school equity, and the influence of privatization and industry on education. The blog also covers various education-related issues, including funding disparities, science education reforms, GPA myths, and the impact of AI on classrooms. It encourages readers to amplify important discussions and stay informed by subscribing and sharing content.
### Key Points
- North Carolina school vouchers disproportionately benefit wealthy private school families.
- Arizona's voucher program negatively impacts high-performing public districts and charter schools.
- Trump’s policies aim to fund private schools with taxpayer money, threatening public school equity.
- $45 million could be better spent on education rather than unnecessary projects like military parades.
- The neoliberal push is dismantling public education funding for profit-driven industries.
- Various education reforms, including science education and GPA myths, are explored.
- AI in education raises concerns about its effectiveness and potential delusions.
- Funding disparities in states like Florida and New Hampshire continue to affect public schools.
- Social-Emotional Learning is recognized as essential but requires proper implementation.
- The blog promotes active engagement, sharing, and subscription to amplify critical education issues.
The Big Lie: What They Say in Public vs. What Happens Behind Closed Doors https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/15/the-big-lie-what-they-say-in-public-vs-what-happens-behind-closed-doors/
The article discusses the pervasive use of gaslighting as a manipulative tactic in politics and education, highlighting its damaging effects on equity, trust, and institutional integrity. It examines how leaders weaponize language and principles to obscure true intentions, suppress dissent, and dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives under false pretenses. The piece calls for naming and resisting gaslighting to preserve democracy and accountability.
### Key Points
- Gaslighting in politics involves saying one thing while doing another, creating confusion to undermine truth and accountability.
- This tactic has infiltrated education, where policies are framed as beneficial but often serve hidden agendas like silencing dissent or appeasing donors.
- Educational institutions use vague promises and performative inclusivity to deflect criticism while maintaining power.
- Antisemitism is being weaponized to suppress political speech, particularly critiques of Israel and support for Palestinian rights.
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs are being dismantled under false narratives, despite evidence of their positive impact.
- Leaders cherry-pick data and narratives to justify harmful decisions, undermining equity and trust.
- Fake negotiations with student protesters reveal efforts to neutralize dissent without addressing real concerns.
- Gaslighting erodes trust in institutions, turning them into bureaucracies prioritizing liability over justice and learning.
- Universities abandon equity commitments under political pressure, sending harmful signals to marginalized communities.
- The article calls for resisting gaslighting, naming it, and refusing to let it shape institutions and democracy.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html
This article compiles various blog posts and news updates, primarily focusing on political commentary, education issues, and social movements. Themes include critiques of Donald Trump’s policies, protests against militarization, immigration issues, public education advocacy, and reflections on the state of democracy in the U.S.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's blog highlights political assassinations in Minnesota and their impact.
- Commentary on Donald Trump’s unfulfilled promises regarding peace and diplomacy.
- Discussions on NYC mayoral debates, with a focus on education and class size policies.
- Critiques of Trump’s militarization, propaganda, and immigration policies, including protests against his $45M military parade.
- Recurring blog series such as “Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights” provide curated reflections on public education and other topics.
- Advocacy for public education reform and resistance to privatization through various platforms, including Diane Ravitch’s blog and the Badass Teacher Association.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Says It Wants More Diversity in School Staffing https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-schools-says-it-wants-more.html?spref=tw
- Seattle Public Schools aims to increase diversity in school staffing, reflecting the district's majority-minority demographics, but there is still a notable lack of male teachers, particularly men of color, at the elementary level.
- The racial diversity of the district's student population does not match Seattle's overall population, and hiring efforts for principals do not seem to align with the diversity of the student body.
- Recent principal hires included 15 White, 9 Black, 1 Asian, and 1 Hispanic principal, raising questions about the lack of diversity among candidates and hiring practices.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools have been raised, with allegations of promotions and job transfers based on personal connections rather than merit, particularly among principals and senior staff.
Peaceful Protest, Violent Response: LAPD’s Legacy Continues https://www.changethelausd.com/peaceful_protest_violent_response_lapd_s_legacy_continues
### Key Points
- The article criticizes LAPD’s militaristic crowd control tactics, contrasting them with New York’s police approach.
- It recounts personal experiences with LAPD’s heavy-handedness during events and protests over the years.
- The author describes a peaceful protest against Trump’s policies that escalated into violence due to LAPD’s actions.
- The LAPD is accused of skipping de-escalation tactics, targeting peaceful protestors and reporters, and resorting to excessive force.
- The lack of accountability for LAPD officers’ violent actions during protests is highlighted.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-13-25 Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 6-15-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_15.html
The article compiles a wide range of blog posts and news updates, focusing on political, social, and educational issues. Key topics include critiques of Donald Trump's policies, immigration, political violence, education reform, and systemic inequities. It highlights protests, debates, and reflections on democracy, authoritarianism, and societal challenges, along with the role of education in fostering equity and inclusion.
### Key Points
- Trump's immigration plan aims to deport 11 million immigrants, causing workplace raids and economic disruption. Critics argue it targets hard-working individuals rather than criminals, impacting industries like agriculture and hospitality.
- Political violence in Minnesota escalated with the assassination of Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman, raising concerns about democracy's erosion and extremism.
- Trump temporarily halted ICE raids in industries like farming and hospitality after backlash, illustrating economic reliance on undocumented labor. Critics questioned the administration’s foresight and motives.
- Larry Cuban critiques the overuse of the phrase "This Will Revolutionize Education," emphasizing the central role of teachers over technological advancements.
- Unity leadership faces accusations of ageism, wage theft, and suppressing dissent, highlighting mismanagement and toxic culture within the union.
- A study suggests audiovisual narratives can help tackle homophobic bullying, promoting inclusion and diversity in schools. It emphasizes educator training and policy reforms to create equitable environments.
- NYC Mayoral debate focused on class size reduction, with most candidates supporting smaller classes for improved outcomes. Oversight is needed to ensure state funding is used appropriately.
- Trump's second term is criticized for escalating violence, dismantling democratic protections, and legitimizing authoritarian practices. The article calls for collective resistance.
- Writers are urged to resist oppression and address societal challenges, with reflections on Trump's actions, corporate greed, and democratic erosion.
- The "No Kings Day" protests highlighted opposition to Trump's authoritarianism and emphasized unity to defend democracy. His military parade drew criticism for its cost and symbolism.
- High-stakes testing and corporate influences in education are critiqued, with calls for equity-focused accountability and reforms.
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of students with disabilities, easing the burden of proof for enforcing their rights under federal laws.
