The US Department of Education has notified American schools receiving federal funding that they must stop using "illegal" racial preferences and stereotypes in admissions, hiring, and other decisions. The move comes after the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on Students v. Harvard, which effectively ended affirmative action. In contrast to this stance, 82 companies including Google, Meta, Apple, and Starbucks signed a Supreme Court amicus brief arguing that diversity benefits students' experiences and leads to more diverse workplaces enhancing business performance.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/02/18/Trump-Education-Department-Craig-Trainor-DEI-affirmative-action/1471739902921/The rise of online harassment among students is a growing concern, with several factors contributing to the alarming trend. According to a recent study by the National Education Association (NEA), increased reporting and awareness have led to more cases being brought to light. Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, have also enabled inappropriate interactions between students and teachers, often under the guise of "friendship" or "mentorship". The breakdown of teacher-student boundaries has been particularly problematic, with some educators blurring the lines between professional and personal relationships. This has led to inadequate screening and hiring practices, allowing individuals with a history of misconduct to secure positions in schools. Furthermore, insufficient training on ethics and boundaries for teachers has failed to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate these complex situations effectively.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/35-year-old-us-teacher-accused-of-having-sex-with-teen-student-turns-herself-in-7699205A Christian school worker, Kristie Higgs, has won a Court of Appeal battle after being dismissed from her role at Farmor's School in Fairford, Gloucestershire, for sharing social media posts criticizing plans to teach about LGBT+ relationships in primary schools. The court ruled that while her conduct was 'unwise', it was 'disproportionate' to fire her. Higgs had shared two Facebook posts in October 2018 expressing concerns about the government's plans for sex education in primary schools, which included discussions of "gender fluidity" and same-sex marriage. Despite her beliefs being protected by the Equality Act, the school claimed she was sacked due to the language used in the posts, which they said could damage their reputation.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14388717/Christian-school-worker-sacked-sharing-social-media-posts-criticising-plans-teach-LGBT-relationships-pupils-wins-Court-Appeal-battle-dismissal.htmlThe Interview Kickstart AI Course is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and practical application in the industry. The course, which has trained over 20,000 professionals, provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of AI principles and teaches them how to effectively use these skills in their roles. Learners also have the opportunity to work with mentors and advisers to prepare for technical interviews at top tech companies such as Google, Meta, and Amazon. The course is flexible, allowing learners to study at their own pace over 14 weeks, dedicating around 10-15 hours per week.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/30/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/interview-kickstart-ai-course-reviews-2025-best-genai-course-for-faang-ai-engineer-roles/2046791Joanie Garratt, a substitute Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher at Beverly Hills High School in California, was fired after posting on Facebook about students being upset and bullied following a school demonstration supporting Donald Trump. The school has declined to comment due to an ongoing investigation into the teacher's conduct, but has assured that steps have been taken to ensure a smooth transition of instruction in science classes.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/ny-teacher-on-leave-after-alleged-anti-trump-social-media-rant-slowly-wither-away-new-york-stony-brook-long-island-r-c-murphy-high-school-three-village-central-school-district#Susan Gonzales, a former tech executive based in the Bay Area, founded AIandYou to bridge the gap between the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and everyday people. The organization aims to provide educational content about AI through its website aiandyou.org and social media platforms including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aiandyou-launches-ai-education-resources-for-seniors-302360285.htmlThe Indian government has acknowledged that 26% of jobs in the country are at risk due to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). However, officials such as Gita Gopinath and Amitabh Kant believe that AI will create new job opportunities. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's office is leveraging technology to harness the power of AI, with initiatives such as using AI to personalize education for students by providing them with homework based on their performance in a 45-minute class followed by a two-minute video. The government is also collaborating with companies like Meta and Google to use AI to identify beneficiaries for welfare schemes and deliver services to them.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/davos-world-economic-forum-artificial-intelligence-nara-lokesh-7534462