A measles outbreak is spreading across the US, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, particularly school-aged children. Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical analyst for Fox News, attributes the issue to high exemption rates for childhood vaccines, which are currently at 85% compliance in Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 164 measles cases across nine states as of February 27, 2025, with three outbreaks identified so far this year.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/measles-prevention-protection-critical-under-hhs-secretary-rfk-jr-contributorThe US Education Department has clarified that simply changing program names referencing "diversity" or "equity" is not sufficient if they lead to unequal treatment of students based on race. This guidance comes as President Trump had previously vowed to close the department and transfer its authority to states, but it highlights the existing limitations of federal influence over education policy, particularly in curriculum decisions.
https://www.voanews.com/a/senate-confirms-education-chief-mcmahon-as-trump-pushes-to-close-department-/7996197.htmlUS President Donald Trump has threatened to defund the Department of Education and return control over the curriculum to individual states. He made this statement amid controversy surrounding student protests against Israel's war in Gaza at Columbia University, which led to accusations of anti-Semitism. The university is under review for $50 million in contracts due to its alleged failure to protect Jewish students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has expressed concern that schools receiving federal funds have a responsibility to protect all students, and the institution's fitness to continue doing business with the US government is being questioned.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-funding-for-schools-that-hold-illegal-protests-13868753.htmlUnitek College has ranked #2 and #3 for 10-year return on investment among 4,600 colleges, according to a study by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. The college's health care career-focused training programs have delivered lasting returns, with CEO Jeff Conlon stating that students' investments in Unitek College education yield professional success. Dr. Abdel Yosef, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, notes that the college's goal is to help students step confidently into the workforce, creating life-changing opportunities.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unitek-college-ranked-2-in-nation-for-return-on-investment-302391029.htmlA mother in Vancouver is speaking out against the refusal of her 9-year-old daughter with Down syndrome, Kenzie Jameson, from participating in an arts class due to a lack of accessibility features. The incident has sparked calls for greater inclusivity and accessibility measures in local programs.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/girl-with-down-syndrome-turned-away-from-vancouver-art-class-mom-says/The connection between gender equality and climate change is particularly evident in food security and water scarcity. Climate-induced disasters exacerbate existing gender disparities, making women more vulnerable to food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and education, and gender-based violence. In rural areas, women play a crucial role in agriculture, but climate disruptions reduce crop yields, leading to food insecurity and financial hardship. Governments should introduce crop insurance for female farmers and ensure relief efforts consider the nutritional needs of women and girls. Climate-related disasters also devastate healthcare and education infrastructure, depriving women of essential healthcare and learning opportunities. To address these issues, governments must prioritize education, implement proper filtration systems, and allocate resources to support women's health and empowerment.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1288750-accelerating-actionThe implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is being hindered by laws and practices that restrict women's and girls' rights, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Russia have enacted or are considering laws that undermine women's rights, including restrictions on education, work, and reproductive health. In some countries like Saudi Arabia, husbands have the right to unilaterally divorce wives without condition, while in others, marital rape is allowed. The World Bank reports that 139 countries still lack adequate legislation prohibiting child marriage, with many more curtailing women's economic and social participation, trapping millions in poverty and dependency.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sexist-laws-persist-worldwide-finds-equality-now-report-302391145.htmlThe Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has introduced a new policy requiring schools to explain why they cannot support students with special needs or learning disabilities. Under the policy, schools must provide evidence for their decision not to accommodate a student, which will be reviewed by ADEK. The goal is to ensure inclusivity and provide a reason for rejecting a student, rather than outright rejection.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/abu-dhabi-schools-cannot-just-reject-a-student-new-education-policy-ensures-inclusivityThe Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi has lifted the suspension of 14 PhD scholars who were detained by police for allegedly vandalising public property during a peaceful protest on February 13. The court had stayed their suspension until April 2, citing that participating in peaceful protests is part of civil society training. A "peace committee" will be formed to calm down the situation, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif supervising it.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/hc-frowns-upon-jamias-handling-of-protest-stays-suspension-of-students/article69291660.ece