Education NewsFeed

April 24, 2025

Texas School District Censors LGBTQ+ Education Materials

The Lewisville Independent School District (LCISD) in Texas has implemented stricter guidelines to comply with the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, also known as HB 900. The district deleted a lesson on "Family Types" due to its content on gender fluidity, which violates the ban on materials related to the topic. LCISD also shut down a module on Virginia history in November after it included frontal nudity, citing the law's prohibition on "obscene" and "pervasively vulgar" materials. Critics argue that the law's categories are too broad, affecting books addressing LGBTQ+ topics and discussions on race and racism.

https://hyperallergic.com/1006230/texas-schools-ban-lesson-over-exposed-nipple-on-virginia-flag/

April 24, 2025

Trump Orders Crack Down on Foreign College Ties

The Trump administration has issued two executive orders aimed at colleges' financial ties with foreign sources and accrediting bodies that set standards for federal financial aid. The first order calls for tougher enforcement of the Higher Education Act's Section 117, which requires disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts valued over $250,000, amid concerns about China's exploitation of academic ties. Republicans, including Rep. Tim Walberg, have applauded this move. A second order targets accrediting bodies, aiming to strip them of diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements and focus on student outcomes, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon stating that accreditors should prioritize improving graduation rates and labor market performance instead.

https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-executive-orders-targeting-colleges-equity-efforts/507-08cc676a-0500-4aeb-a786-993cc40e1c40

April 24, 2025

Vidyashilp Hosts Future of Higher Education Summit

The Future of Higher Education 2025 is a unique event that focuses on teaching students how to think critically across various domains, with purpose and relevance to the future. It's open to aspiring undergraduate students and their parents, who can register at https://vidyashilp.edu.in/fohe/.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/vidyashilp-university-to-host-the-future-of-higher-education-2025/

April 24, 2025

Education Department Mandates DEI Policy Certification Form

The US Department of Education has issued a directive requiring states to sign a certification form related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which critics argue is vague and unconstitutional. The AFT's president, Randi Weingarten, has condemned the requirement, stating it forces teachers to choose between suppressing their speech or facing enforcement for exercising their constitutional rights. President Donald Trump's education secretary, Linda McMahon, has warned that states refusing to sign the form may risk funding cuts, threatening schools' access to Title I funding, a vital source of revenue for low-income areas.

https://www.boston25news.com/news/politics/federal-judge-blocks/SR5NHYOSERB3LALJI2Z4REPF64/

April 24, 2025

Google Classroom Revolutionizes Global Distance Learning Efforts

The internet has revolutionized the way people learn by facilitating distance education, making it possible for individuals to access a vast array of educational resources from anywhere in the world. This shift has broadened access to information, enabling students to acquire knowledge more efficiently through various applications and software that help them organize their time effectively, such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams.

https://nerdbot.com/2025/04/24/personal-loan-for-students-to-finance-technology-and-equipment-purchases/

April 24, 2025

Goya Foods Targets High-Risk NYC Schools

Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the US, is expanding its "Stay Smart.. Stay Safe: Protecting Our Children" initiative to focus on schools with high bullying risk. The program, launched three years ago, has already positively impacted over 100,000 students in New York City Public Schools, and this year's effort aims to provide essential support to students who need it most.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goya-cares-partners-with-new-york-city-doe-to-launch-prevention-education-curricula-to-combat-child-abuse-and-protect-students-302437284.html

April 24, 2025

IIM Student Sparks Debate with ₹3.5 Lakh Stipend

The tweet by a student who received a ₹3.5 lakh stipend from IIM (Indian Institute of Management) has sparked a heated debate about whether it is merit or privilege. The student claimed that the amount was not enough to cover living expenses in Pune, where they were studying. This raises questions about the affordability and accessibility of education in India's prestigious institutions.

https://www.livemint.com/news/degrees-hold-weight-after-all-rs-3-5-lakh-iim-stipend-tweet-sparks-heated-debate-is-this-merit-or-privilege-11745511305766.html

April 24, 2025

Indiana Lawmakers Vote on Budget Expansion

Indiana lawmakers are expected to vote on a final budget Thursday evening, with an expansion of school voucher eligibility and increased funding for K-12 schools. All Indiana families will be eligible for school vouchers starting June 2026, costing the state around $93 million. The latest budget maintains 2% increases in tuition support for public schools over two years and allocates additional funds for curriculum materials.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025/04/24/vouchers-for-all-start-in-2026-budget-year/

April 24, 2025

Jeffrey Avergis Pushes for Student Safety Levy

A new safety levy will help fund advanced courses, career education programs and extracurricular activities in local high schools. The levy aims to offset costs for upgraded security infrastructure, increased mental health support, school resource officers and safety training. Trustee Jeffrey Avergis emphasized the importance of investing in student safety, stating that parents want to feel confident their children are safe at school. The levies would cost an average homeowner $2.75 per month, but proponents argue it provides quality education, enrichment opportunities and a safe learning environment for over 9,000 students.

https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-school-officials-encourage-support-for-levies-to-avoid-budget-cuts