News Related to Higher Education and LGBTQIA+ Stakeholders
Below are archived, still relevant, articles from August - December 2024.
Highlighted Articles Page
Some news has greater potential implications for NMU students and/or the NMU community. The highlighted stories at this link are included in the comprehensive list, but are pulled out on a page to help folks at NMU find the most important and useful news reports with local implications.
Recent Articles Page
There are 510,000 NCAA athletes. Less than 0.002% are trans.
The number of trans athletes competing in the NCAA is tiny, especially compared to public perceptions and focus.
December 18, 2024
"Doing the math, 10 trans athletes out of 510,000 amounts to 0.0019%, a tiny amount for an issue that has dominated public discourse the past couple of years, including the recent presidential election. Some of the outsized attention could be people simply way overestimating how many trans Americans there are. The actual number is that about 1% of the population identifies as trans. On average, the public thinks 21% of the population is transgender."
More at Outsports at www.outsports.com/2024/12/18/24105317/ncaa-trans-athletes-hearing-charlie-baker-richard-durbin/
See also:
Trans women are still eligible to compete in all NCAA college sports. For now.
The volleyball forfeit crisis with San Jose State created lots of conversation across sports. Yet trans women are still eligible in the NCAA.
December 16, 2024
at Outsports at www.outsports.com/2024/12/16/24105154/trans-athletes-women-ncaa-college-sports-rules/
NCAA president says there are ‘less than 10’ transgender athletes in college sports
December 18, 2024
at The Hill at https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5046662-ncaa-president-transgender-athletes-college-sports/
The president of the NCAA calls for a ban on 'prop bets' in college sports
December 17, 2024
at NPR at www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5231991/ncaa-charlie-baker-sports-gambling-regulations-senate
The mass exodus of players from SJSU continues Mountain West & NCAA women’s volleyball fallout
Seven players from this season's San Jose State women's volleyball team are leaving after mishandled trans-inclusion crisis.
December 20, 2024
"Numerous players from this season’s SJSU women’s volleyball team have opted to leave the school, continuing the crisis built by the NCAA, the Mountain West Conference and the school – as well as anti-trans activists – surrounding the highest-profile season the sport has ever seen."
More at Outsports at www.outsports.com/2024/12/20/24105383/sjsu-san-jose-state-women-volleyball-players-transfer-portal-trans-athlete/
See also:
Mass Exodus at SJSU Volleyball: Gender Controversy Shakes Team's Future
December 21, 2024
Donald Trump said he wants to ban trans athletes from competing. The reality is more nuanced
December 18, 2024
There are several layers to this, but the most immediate would be how his administration interprets Title IX, the law best known for its role in pursuing gender equity in athletics and preventing sexual harassment on campuses.
More at AP at https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-transgender-athletes-title-ix-eca2303fee01202096348b4186303f8e
Idaho Board of Education Faces Vote on Anti-DEI Resolution
The state’s Board of Education is expected to ban campus offices, centers and policies “dedicated to DEI ideologies.” Some students and faculty are outraged.
December 18, 2024
Nick Koenig, a geography doctoral student at the University of Idaho, worked on the report out of a sense of responsibility and gratitude toward some of the programs. As a nonbinary student, Koenig said they initially decided to attend the U of I after a reassuring Zoom meeting with the former director of the LGBTQA Center.
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/race-ethnicity/2024/12/18/idaho-state-board-prepares-vote-anti-dei-resolution
See also:
Idaho education board bans DEI across state’s 4-year colleges
Some of the affected colleges had already moved to wind down their diversity, equity and inclusion centers ahead of the unanimous vote.
December 18, 2024
"The state’s public flagship, the University of Idaho.... recently informed faculty that four of its student centers — the Black/African American Cultural Center, the Women’s Center, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the LGBTQA Center — would all close, according to Sydney Freeman Jr., an education professor at the university."
at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/idaho-education-board-bans-dei-boise-state-university-idaho-state-lewis-clark/735987/
In Sweeping Action, Idaho’s Education Board Bans ‘DEI Ideology’ on College Campuses
December 18, 2024
"Offices and centers focused on serving women, LGBTQ students, and students of color will likely be forced to close at the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Boise State University, and Lewis-Clark State College by June 30, 2025. The institutions are also prohibited from asking employees or students to share their preferred pronouns."
at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/in-sweeping-action-idahos-education-board-bans-dei-ideology-on-college-campuses
Idaho State Board of Education Passes Anti-DEI Resolution
December 19, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/12/19/idaho-state-board-education-passes-anti-dei-resolution
DEI Bans Flourished in 2024. Politicians Aren’t Finished.
Six states passed new anti-DEI laws this year, leading institutions to change hiring practices, close DEI offices and end DEI trainings. Look for more in 2025.
December 16, 2024
"Even in states that have passed DEI bans, some universities have gone beyond the letter of the law to eliminate offices, cultural centers or staff they weren’t required to. Utah’s anti-DEI law was praised upon its passage for carving out exceptions for cultural centers, but most of the state’s public universities shuttered LGBTQ+ and multicultural centers nevertheless."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2024/12/16/how-battle-over-dei-shook-out-2024-and-whats-come
Boise State Closes DEI Centers
December 13, 2024
"Boise State University shuttered its Student Equity Center and the Gender Equity Center over Thanksgiving break, reported KTVB, an NBC-affiliated station in Boise, Idaho."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/12/13/boise-state-closes-dei-centers
FIRE Survey: Most Faculty Fear Discussing Controversial Topics
December 12, 2024
"The vast majority of faculty members—87 percent—say it’s difficult to have open and honest conversations about divisive political topics, including those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, racial inequality and transgender rights, according to the 2024 faculty survey report 'Silence in the Classroom,' published today by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/12/12/most-faculty-fear-discussions-about-controversial-topics
This gay ex-college football player recorded his coming-out video 5 times before getting it right
Jake Eldridge has become a lifeline for some gay athletes, as his coming-out video has resonated with people in and out of football.
December 10, 2024
"Viewer responses to his vulnerability and honesty in the video were profoundly uplifting. Eldridge admitted he was particularly moved by several LGBTQ people who commented that they too were struggling with the coming out process and his video helped give them a voice."
More at Outsports at www.outsports.com/2024/12/10/24104897/jake-eldridge-rutgers-ncaa-college-football-youtube-coming-out-video-tiktok/
Judge Pauses Abuse Lawsuit Against Linda McMahon
December 10, 2024
"The case—known as the 'Ring Boys' scandal—has been in the public eye for decades. The allegations, which first emerged in the early 1990s, hold that WWE employees sexually abused young men and boys, often teenagers, working on the ring crew, and that WWE leaders ignored the abuse. Several employees stepped down when the allegations first became public in 1992."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/12/10/judge-pauses-abuse-lawsuit-against-linda-mcmahon
Colleges scramble to shield programs amid growing hostility from GOP
Endowments, research funding and DEI initiatives expected to be among many possible targets of the incoming Trump administration
December 9, 2024
"In Texas, state Rep. Brian Harrison said he was gobsmacked when he saw that Texas A&M University offered a minor in LGBTQ studies. Then he learned about other classes at public universities he didn’t like, including one he said was on alternative genders. One class included, as part of the course materials, a podcast titled 'Women in hip-hop push back against the male gaze.'”
More at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/12/09/college-programs-trump-republicans-tensions/
What San José State Volleyball Teaches Us About the Debate Over Trans Athletes
The team has triggered the biggest controversy over trans collegiate athletes since Lia Thomas. But with anti-trans bills proliferating and Trump headed back to the White House, things feel different than they did in 2022.
December 9, 2024
"The controversy surrounding the SJSU volleyball team is the most explosive conflict over trans women’s participation in college athletics since 2022, when Penn swimmer Lia Thomas drew national scrutiny after winning the NCAA women’s 500-meter freestyle championship. Though the debate has been quieter in the intervening years, it has continued to rage in legislatures and board meetings around the country, especially as the vitriol against trans people in general has grown, leading to bans on trans people using restrooms that align with their gender identity and on trans youth’s access to gender-affirming medical care."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/sex-gender/2024/12/09/volleyball-controversy-highlights-debate-over-trans-athletes
Hate crime charges dropped for most Salisbury U. students accused of beating a man over his sexual orientation
Twelve of the 15 students arrested last month for allegedly punching, kicking and calling a man derogatory names had their hate crime and felony assault charges dismissed.
December 8, 2024
"Twelve of the 15 Salisbury University students accused of attacking and beating a man in Maryland because of his sexual orientation had their hate crime and first-degree assault charges dismissed, court records show."
More at NBC News at www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hate-crime-charges-dropped-salisbury-university-students-rcna183352
Michigan Regents Face Tough Questions as They Consider DEI Changes
Debate about diversity, equity and inclusion programs suggests a new degree of worry and proactive preparation as Donald Trump returns to the White House.
December 6, 2024
As a transgender man who has often depended on the university’s LGBTQ center, Choudhary believes saving DEI is about more than just protecting positions of leadership; it’s about preserving access to a safe, quality education for himself and his peers.
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/2024/12/06/michigan-regents-consider-changes-dei-despite-protests
See also:
U. of Michigan Regents Ban Use of Diversity Statements, Recommit to Broader DEI Goals
December 5, 2024
at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/u-of-michigan-regents-ban-use-of-diversity-statements-recommit-to-broader-dei-goals
University of Michigan will no longer solicit diversity statements from faculty
Before the policy shift, individual academic units could decide if they required such statements for hiring, promotion or tenure considerations.
December 5, 2024
at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/university-of-michigan-will-no-longer-solicit-diversity-statements-faculty-dei/734791/
Weber State University students hold ‘funeral procession’ for shuttered cultural centers
December 5, 2024
"At that point, eulogies were given for the Black Cultural Center, Women’s Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Native American Cultural Center, Hispanic & Latino Cultural Center, Pan-Asian Cultural Center and Pasifika Cultural Center. The Nontraditional Student Center was also recognized."
More at Standard-Examiner at www.standard.net/news/2024/dec/05/weber-state-university-students-hold-funeral-procession-for-shuttered-cultural-centers/
Ohio becomes latest state to restrict transgender students’ bathroom access
Under the Protect All Students Act, college and K-12 students in the state can only use multiperson facilities aligned with their sex assigned at birth.
December 3, 2024
"Transgender students in Ohio will be barred from using multiperson bathrooms aligning with their gender identities at public and private K-12 schools and colleges, under legislation signed into law last week by Gov. Mike DeWine."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/ohio-transgender-student-bathroom-ban/734308/
Why colleges are turning to institutional neutrality
Although higher education experts say these measures can stave off political controversy, they’ve drawn criticism from some scholars and student activists.
December 3, 2024
"These laws can be vague and use broad language, setting up the legislature alone to judge what is acceptable for college leaders to say, said Young, from Pen America. Two of the three laws specifically call out gender, LGBTQ and race as issues the university cannot comment on."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/why-colleges-adopt-institutional-neutrality/734284/
Title IX protections in new US education secretary’s sights
Incoming president has pledged to ‘terminate’ federal protections for alleged victims of sexual abuse on campus
November 27, 2024
"Jennifer Drobac, professor of law emerita at Indiana University, said Ms McMahon would return to the 'intolerant policies' pushed by Betsy DeVos, the education secretary in Mr Trump’s first term, and this could have 'huge implications' for gay, lesbian and transgender students in particular."
More at Times Higher Education at www.timeshighereducation.com/news/title-ix-protections-new-us-education-secretarys-sights
Judge Says Reportedly Trans Volleyball Player May Compete
November 26, 2024
"A federal judge has ruled that a San José State University women’s volleyball player, who some of her teammates and competitors have said is transgender, can continue to play on the team, ESPN reported."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/11/26/judge-says-reportedly-trans-volleyball-player-may-compete
When Aspiring Authoritarians Seize Faculty Power
Bureaucrats are overcomplying with state DEI laws. Faculty must fight back.
November 25, 2024
"This year, though, things took a concerning turn. Over the summer, my department’s chapter of the Minorities and Philosophy organization was terminated. In September, the Faculty Senate was informed that our committees on the status of women, LGBT members, and faculty of color had been dissolved. We were neither informed nor consulted on this decision."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/when-aspiring-authoritarians-seize-faculty-power
Iowa Republicans form House higher education committee for ‘long overdue’ review
State Rep. Taylor Collins, who has staunchly opposed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, will chair the panel.
November 25, 2024
"The state law defines DEI as any 'activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.'”
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/iowa-republicans-house-higher-education-committee-comprehensive-review-long-overdue/733956/
University System of Georgia to ban DEI, commit to neutrality, teach Constitution
November 23, 2024
"USG’s Board of Regents recently urged the NCAA to ban transgender-identifying men from participating in women’s sports, in line with the NAIA rules, The Center Square previously reported."
More at The Center Square at www.thecentersquare.com/georgia/article_f8bd6506-a8f8-11ef-b462-6fc61f7f5f4c.html
A Fight Over the New College of Florida Foundation
Changes to NCF regulations will allow the board and administration to exert more control over the foundation. Critics worry officials will raid restricted funds.
November 21, 2024
"Cody believes the changes to regulations will harm donor relations, particularly among alumni. He said that alumni donations have suffered since the new board was swept in last year and started making changes, including eliminating NCF’s diversity, equity and inclusion office and a gender studies program, both of which prompted outrage among alumni and parents."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/trustees-regents/2024/11/21/fight-over-new-college-florida-foundation
Conservative professors and students are suing California’s community colleges, and winning
November 21, 2024
"According to the details of one case, David Richardson, a professor at Madera Community College, started using the pronouns 'Do, Re, Mi' while attending a 2021 presentation about personal gender pronouns. When the facilitator later approached Richardson about his choice of pronouns — calling his actions 'harmful to trans people' — Richardson doubled down, claiming that his choice of pronouns was part of his right to free expression. After the college disciplined him, Richardson sued the State Center Community College District, which oversees Madera Community College. The case is still pending in federal court."
More at Cal Matters at https://calmatters.org/education/2024/11/college-free-speech/
Is DEI in the Crosshairs at the U. of Michigan?
November 21, 2024
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/is-dei-in-the-crosshairs-at-the-u-of-michigan
See also:
The University of Michigan Doubled Down on D.E.I. What Went Wrong?
A decade and a quarter of a billion dollars later, students and faculty are more frustrated than ever.
October 16, 2024
at The New York Times Magazine at www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/magazine/dei-university-michigan.html
With a Republican trifecta in Washington, a new era of college oversight is on its way
The GOP has made clear it wants to police colleges in new ways. Now Republicans will control Congress. And Linda McMahon, a staunch Trump ally, is in line to lead the Education Department.
November 20, 2024
"If Trump rescinds the Biden administration's guidance, students who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who experience sexual misconduct may feel less safe on some campuses, according to Brendan Cantwell, a higher education professor at Michigan State University."
More at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/11/20/trump-college-oversight/76295609007/
The Controversy Roiling College Volleyball Just Keeps Growing
November 20, 2024
"A judge for the U.S. District Court of Colorado will consider Thursday whether to disqualify a player on the San Jose State squad from postseason play at the emergency request of a collection of current and former players and an associate head coach, who are suing San Jose State and its conference. The lawsuit claims the player, Blaire Fleming, 'is male and identifies as transgender,' and that the Mountain West Conference and San Jose State acted illegally in allowing her to compete, among other things."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/the-controversy-roiling-college-volleyball-just-keeps-growing
See also:
Republicans urge college athletic conference to ban transgender athletes
The request to the Mountain West Conference follows reports that a trans student competed on the San Jose State University women’s volleyball team.
November 20, 2024
at NBC News at www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/republicans-mountain-west-conference-transgender-volleyball-athlete-rcna181037
San Jose State Women’s Volleyball Team Finds Itself at Center of Transgender Debate
After reports that the team includes a transgender player, several schools have forfeited matches against the university out of protest.
October 29, 2024
at The New York Times at www.nytimes.com/2024/10/29/us/san-jose-womens-volleyball-transgender-ncaa.html
University of Oklahoma faces conservative backlash over class
A right-wing outlet said an undergraduate education course may violate the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban, catching the eye of the governor.
November 20, 2024
"EDS 4003’s listed objectives include reflection on personal biases, 'sociopolitical powers, institutions, and forces that shape and impact the content of school curricula and learning.' It prompts students to analyze 'how various student differences (e.g., race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability) impact educational experiences.'”
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/university-of-oklahoma-DEI-conservative-backlash-education-class-stitt/733551/
A Former Trump Cabinet Official and Pro-Wrestling Magnate Is Tapped as Education Secretary
November 19, 2024
"If McMahon is confirmed, one pressing item on her agenda would be Title IX policy. President Biden’s Education Department enacted civil-rights protections for transgender students under Title IX, which Republicans oppose. Those regulations have been partially held up in court."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/trump-ally-and-businesswoman-is-reportedly-the-nominee-for-education-secretary
See also:
Who Could Lead the Department Trump Plans to Abolish?
The next education secretary will likely have experience in higher ed or a zeal for culture wars, experts predict.
November 13, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/11/13/speculation-swirls-over-trumps-education-secretary
UNT faculty slam university for removing references to race and equity in course names
Professors and instructors say the university is preemptively censoring itself after administrators removed references to race and equity in dozens of College of Education course titles and descriptions.
November 19, 2024
"Three faculty senate subcommittees at UNT focused on faculty of color, LGBTQ faculty and women were shuttered as well as the Multicultural Center, which housed multiple student services. Library staff were told they couldn’t host events for Pride Week."
More at The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org/2024/11/19/texas-unt-dei-ban/
How a Top Trump Adviser Might Influence the President-Elect’s Views on Higher Ed
November 18, 2024
"Legal experts predicted that, given Miller’s record, he could have a meaningful influence on the federal government’s approach to issues like race, sexuality, and gender identity in higher ed."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/how-a-top-trump-adviser-might-influence-the-president-elects-views-on-higher-ed
Trump Likely to End Title IX Trans Protections
In recent years, each new administration has led to significant changes in the rules governing how colleges respond to sexual misconduct. Don’t expect that to change under a second Trump term. Here’s what to know about Trump and Title IX.
November 15, 2024
"Just three months before the presidential election, President Biden’s overhaul of the gender equity law known as Title IX went into effect, expanding protections for transgender students and changing how colleges respond to reports of sexual misconduct."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2024/11/15/trump-likely-end-title-ix-protections-trans-students
Trump Likely to End Title IX Trans Protections
In recent years, each new administration has led to significant changes in the rules governing how colleges respond to sexual misconduct. Don’t expect that to change under a second Trump term. Here’s what to know about Trump and Title IX.
November 15, 2024
"Just three months before the presidential election, President Biden’s overhaul of the gender equity law known as Title IX went into effect, expanding protections for transgender students and changing how colleges respond to reports of sexual misconduct."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2024/11/15/trump-likely-end-title-ix-protections-trans-students
A Texas University Tells Professors Their Teaching and Research Will Be Under ‘Intense Scrutiny’
November 13, 2024
"Meanwhile, the impacts on research are already being felt. According to the faculty member in the College of Education, one prestigious grant from the Spencer Foundation has been delayed until it’s determined to be in compliance with Senate Bill 17. As a result, they said, 'we’re already putting in jeopardy relationships with major funders across the nation.' Those in the College of Education were also told that they will not receive travel funds to present research at conferences that deal with race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. If scholars choose to pay out-of-pocket to attend such conferences, the faculty member added, they must say that they are not representing the university. (Reese, meanwhile, said that faculty members can get travel funding to engage in activities 'whereby scholarly and professional stature are demonstrated and may be appraised.' She denied any delay concerning the Spencer Foundation grant.)"
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/a-texas-university-tells-professors-their-teaching-and-research-will-be-under-intense-scrutiny
Colleges Wonder if They Will Be ‘the Enemy’ Under Trump
Higher education has been a favorite target of Republicans who believe schools have tilted leftward. Now, colleges and universities are bracing for the Trump administration to take action.
November 12, 2024
"Republicans have often trained their focus mainly on highly selective campuses, but their proposed policies could have a wider impact. The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 — an outline for Mr. Trump’s second term that he has tried to distance himself from — calls for sweeping changes, like privatizing all student loans, rolling back protections for transgender students, and paring back diversity efforts on campus."
More at The New York Times at www.nytimes.com/2024/11/12/us/trump-higher-education-policy-universities.html
Why a Tufts U. Department Found Itself in a Spat With a Congressman Over Transgender Rights
November 12, 2024
"Tufts University on Tuesday walked back a statement from the chair of its political-science department, who had vowed to stop facilitating students’ internships with a Democratic congressman over his recent comments on transgender athletes."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/why-a-tufts-u-department-found-itself-in-a-spat-with-a-congressman-over-transgender-rights
Texas A&M Cuts Programs Amid Political Pressure
The flagship is eliminating dozens of programs, including an LGBTQ studies minor that a conservative lawmaker has criticized. He says he’ll soon target other institutions.
November 12, 2024
"The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents last week directed the president of its flagship to end 52 low-enrollment programs, including a nascent LGBTQ studies minor that conservative state legislators have cast as 'liberal indoctrination.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/trustees-regents/2024/11/12/texas-am-cuts-lgbtq-studies-and-other-programs
Texas Republicans look to expand DEI ban into college curricula
November 11, 2024
"That comes just days after the Texas A&M Board of Regents directed the University to eliminate 52 different minors and certificates, citing low enrollments. Among those programs was an LGBTQ studies minor, prompting backlash."
More at CBS Austin at https://cbsaustin.com/newsletter-daily/texas-republicans-look-to-expand-dei-ban-into-college-curricula
A Trans Admission Advantage?
Jim Jump breaks down Vice President–elect JD Vance’s suggestion that students may “become” trans to get into Harvard.
November 11, 2024
"Vance, of course, provided no evidence to support that claim, probably because there is none. And given that both Rogan and his audience love conspiracy theories, he didn’t need to."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2024/11/11/there-trans-admission-advantage-opinion
Texas A&M regents overrule faculty, cut 52 “low-producing” programs including LGBTQ+ studies minor
After conservative criticism over the LGBTQ+ minor, university officials started looking at all its programs. Faculty say they were excluded from the process.
November 7, 2024
"The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously directed its flagship university to disband an LGBTQ+ studies minor, months after conservative lawmakers and websites accused the program of promoting 'liberal indoctrination' on campus."
More at The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org/2024/11/07/texas-a-m-lgbtq-studies-minor/
Iowa Board of Regents members expect more campus DEI changes
November 7, 2024
"Iowa State University students protested the legislation and rallied in support of programs they rely on in October, calling for the university to keep spaces like the LGBTQ+ Student Success Center, Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity and more. They’ve also started multiple petitions to try and mitigate the legislation’s impact on their campus."
More at Iowa Capital Dispatch at https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/11/07/iowa-board-of-regents-members-expect-more-campus-dei-changes/
Trump’s victory sets stage for dramatic changes to higher ed policy
The President-elect campaigned on polarizing proposals such as shutting down the U.S. Department of Education and rolling back the new Title IX rule.
November 6, 2024
"Trump campaigned on several polarizing higher education proposals, including vowing to shut down the U.S. Department of Education and roll back the Biden administration’s contested Title IX regulations, which provide protections for LGBTQI+ students."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/trumps-victory-changes-higher-ed-policy/732216/
See also:
What Trump’s Victory Means for Higher Ed
Donald Trump’s first term shined a political spotlight on higher ed that has only grown more glaring since. A second could bring more sweeping changes.
November 6, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/11/06/what-trumps-victory-means-higher-ed
Demonstrators spark counter-protest of hundreds at TXST
November 6, 2024
"The demonstrators arrived before 12:20 p.m. and quickly had a crowd of at least 100 students surrounding them in opposition. The two demonstrators were with the Official Street Preachers, a news outlet that covers events 'from a Christian perspective.' There were two signs the demonstrators held – one said 'Homo sex is sin' the other said 'Women are property' on the front and 'Types of Property: Women, Slaves, Animals, Cars, Land etc.' on the back."
More at The University Star at https://universitystar.com/28309/news/demonstrators-spark-counter-protest-of-hundreds-at-txst/
Republicans Could Abolish the Education Department. How Might That Work?
Trump and his allies want to dismantle the 45-year-old agency. But doing so would be more complicated than they say.
November 4, 2024
"Trump and others say the agency has grown too big and interferes in matters best left to local and state authorities. Driving the recent wave of calls is the Biden administration’s efforts to forgive student loans, the botched rollout of the federal financial aid application and the department’s overhaul of Title IX, which added new protections for transgender students. (The new rule is on hold in 26 states following several court rulings.)"
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2024/11/04/what-abolishing-education-department-could-mean
On the Eve of a Tight Election, Higher Ed Is Holding Its Breath
November 1, 2024
"Among the areas in the crosshairs: A roll-back of current Title IX regulations, more investigations into campus antisemitism, and scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Aggressive action elsewhere could carry severe consequences for colleges. Promised mass deportations would undoubtedly affect international students, who enroll in large numbers in graduate programs at research universities. Also high on the list of changes is federal legislation or executive regulation dealing with transgender students’ participation in athletics. Swing states have been bombarded with political ads from Trump’s campaign and backers attacking Harris and like-minded politicians as forcing educational institutions to let grown men play in women’s sports."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/on-the-eve-of-a-tight-election-higher-ed-is-holding-its-breath
See also:
The Stakes for Higher Ed on Election Night
In a consequential election for higher ed, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump promise very different futures for colleges and universities.
November 5, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/11/05/what-2024-election-means-higher-education
Sixth Circuit hears appeal over sex discrimination rule facing anti-trans challenges
The appeals court heard arguments over one of several Title IX rule challenges. Also: SCOTUS won't stop Friday's scheduled South Carolina execution.
November 1, 2024
"A conservative-leaning three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held arguments this week over one of the challenges to the Biden administration’s Title IX sex discrimination rule for schools."
More at LawDork at www.lawdork.com/p/sixth-circuit-title-ix-appeal-arguments
A Second Trump Term Could Devastate Higher Ed
Trump’s first term landed a glancing blow. A second could yield a direct hit.
October 31, 2024
"In his closing argument to voters, Trump launched a rhetorical assault on trans people. Higher-ed policy is a space in which he could convert that rhetoric into action. Project 2025 advises the government to prohibit collecting data on nonbinary genders and to rely exclusively on biological sex for all federal reporting and civil-rights enforcement. The self-described 'mandate for leadership' also calls for a Trump administration to revoke Biden’s Title IX guidance, strip protections from trans students, and re-establish new guidance that tilts the balance of rights in sexual-assault cases toward the accused."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/a-second-trump-term-could-devastate-higher-ed
A Clash Over Core Curriculum at New College of Florida
Faculty say administrators at the public liberal arts institution are changing core course offerings in a way that is ideologically driven and harmful to students.
October 29, 2024
"The changes follow recent legislation that has prompted universities across the state to drop numerous general education courses, mainly related to hot-button political and social issues. Despite outcry from faculty, public universities have dropped dozens of courses—such as Anthropology of Race and Ethnicity, Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies, and Sociology of Gender—to comply with SB 266, which went into effect in mid-2023."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/curriculum/2024/10/29/clash-over-core-curriculum-new-college-florida
College Matters from The Chronicle
Harris, Trump, and Higher Ed
From the economy to immigration, the major issues of this presidential campaign have big implications for colleges and universities.
October 29, 2024
"I wouldn’t expect to see as many protections for LGBTQ students [under Trump], for example."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/podcast/college-matters-from-the-chronicle/harris-trump-and-higher-ed
State universities reallocate more than $2 million from DEI programs
Dozens of programs and jobs eliminated as result of regents’ directives, new state law
October 29, 2024
"Students protested on the Iowa State campus last week, raising concerns about possible changes to inclusive facilities and programs under the law, including the LGBTQIA+ Center."
More at Iowa Capital Dispatch at https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/10/29/state-universities-reallocate-more-than-2-million-from-dei-programs/
Reagan Was Right, and Rufo Is Wrong
The attack on DEI flies in the face of traditional conservative principles, Suzanne Nossel writes.
October 29, 2024
"Iowa’s SF 2435, based on model legislation authored by Rufo, restricts campus trainings, programs or activities 'designed or implemented with reference to' race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Friday night Shabbat dinners, Black History Month commemorations or Pride marches could be swept up in this blunderbuss proscription. While Utah’s HB 261 ostensibly permits extracurricular and similar activities as long as they are open to all, the law has prompted institutions in the state to dissolve valued LGBTQ+, women’s and other multicultural resource centers, hubs that provided social space, scholarship information and community for those who sought them out."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2024/10/29/dei-bans-are-dangerous-governmental-overreach-opinion
Beyond Masculine and Feminine: Teaching Romance Languages in a Nonbinary World
Nicholas Henriksen outlines steps for making Romance language classrooms more gender inclusive.
October 25, 2024
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2024/10/25/teaching-romance-languages-nonbinary-world-opinion
Survey Finds Decline in Students’ Nonconsensual Sexual Contact
October 22, 2024
"Students from all groups showed diminished confidence that their institution would take a reported sexual assault seriously and conduct a fair investigation. Among undergraduate nonbinary, transgender or questioning students, for instance, the share who said it was 'very' or 'extremely' likely that officials would take a report seriously fell from half in 2019 to 34 percent in 2024."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/10/22/survey-finds-decline-students-nonconsensual-sexual-contact
See also:
October 24, 2024
Where Is the Data on Campus Sexual Assault?
The Department of Education has yet to provide guidance or resources to assist colleges in completing their campus climate surveys, which are now required by law.
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2024/10/24/more-data-sexual-violence-needed-amid-reports-declines
How a Few Forfeits Landed These Colleges at the Center of a Political Fight
October 16, 2024
"On Sunday, the University of Nevada at Reno’s women’s volleyball team told the university they planned to forfeit an upcoming match against San Jose State University, making them the fifth squad to do so this season. The reason was not made explicit, but it was clear to anyone who has followed the sport in recent months: the reported presence of a transgender player on San Jose State’s team."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/how-a-few-forfeits-landed-these-colleges-at-the-center-of-a-political-fight
See also:
Another Women’s Volleyball Team Forfeits to San José State
October 17, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/10/17/another-womens-volleyball-team-forfeits-san-jose-state
“Universities are the Enemy”: The Dark Belief Behind Project 2025’s Higher Education Agenda
The infamous 887-page policy manual linked to Donald Trump and J.D. Vance aims to take Ron DeSantis’s war against liberal arts education nationwide
October 14, 2024
"Project 2025 aims to weaken and remove long-standing civil rights protections. ...would reverse [USDE's] historic role in enforcing civil rights laws by 'rejecting gender ideology and critical race theory' and instead enforcing civil rights 'based on a proper understanding of those laws.'”
More at Washington Monthly at https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/10/14/universities-are-the-enemy-the-dark-belief-behind-project-2025s-higher-education-agenda/
Where the 2024 president candidates stand on higher education issues
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have pitched policy plans that could affect everything from accreditation to student loans.
October 14, 2024
"Just weeks after the Title IX rule was released, Trump vowed to roll back the new rule’s protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/where-the-2024-president-candidates-stand-on-higher-education-issues/729612/
1 in 4 Students Nixes a College Based on State Politics, Survey Shows
The latest studentPOLL from Art & Science Group shows that traditional-aged students are considering more specific policies when choosing where to attend to college.
October 14, 2024
"What was notable along party lines, however, was what types of issues students cited as influencing their decision. Liberal-leaning students’ cited more specific issues, such as restricted abortion rights, anti-LGBTQ+ laws, lenient gun laws and too little concern about racial equality. Conservative-leaning students, meanwhile, were more likely to name the broader concern of being 'too Democratic.' The two specific issues conservative students listed most frequently after that were 'too liberal [on] LGBTQ+ laws” and “too lenient on crime.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/10/14/survey-finds-students-base-college-decisions-state
See also:
State politics are swaying college choice, survey finds
Students from both sides of the aisle are increasingly citing sociopolitical motivations when ruling out states from their college search.
October 15, 2024
"Nearly three-quarters of liberal students who excluded states did so because they believed their LGBTQ+ laws were too conservative. And roughly 4 in 10 conservative students ruled out states over LGBTQ+ laws they deemed too liberal."
at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/state-politics-influence-college-choice-survey-lgbtq-guns-reproductive-health/729765/
What college should I go to? Applicants avoid entire states because of their politics
October 15, 2024
at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/10/15/students-choose-college-by-politics/75633891007/
Florida universities are culling hundreds of general education courses
Universities that keep general education courses against recommendations from the Board of Governors run the risk of losing critical state funding.
October 14, 2024
"Yet in a second sweep of general education courses, FIU trustees approved removing 22 classes including Anthropology of Race & Ethnicity, Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies, and Sociology of Gender."
More at Politico at www.politico.com/news/2024/10/14/florida-university-classes-ron-desantis-00183453
When DEI is gone: A look at the fallout at one Texas university
Texas is one of about nine states with anti-DEI legislation in place.
October 13, 2024
"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 17 into law in 2023, barring public institutions of higher education from having diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, as well as programs, activities, and training conducted by those offices. The law also restricts training or hiring policies based on race, gender identity or sexual orientation."
More at ABC News at https://abcnews.go.com/US/dei-fallout-texas-university/story
An LGBTQ Studies Minor at Texas A&M Drew Complaints. Now Dozens of Programs Could Be Eliminated.
October 9, 2024
"After criticism from Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets, Texas A&M University at College Station may disband its nascent minor in LGBTQ+ studies and over four-dozen other minors and certificate programs."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/an-lgbtq-studies-minor-at-texas-a-m-drew-complaints-now-dozens-of-programs-could-be-eliminated
A Battle Over Florida’s General Education Courses
Florida International University faculty have raised concerns about course revisions designed to comply with state law, a process undertaken quietly across the state.
October 3, 2024
"The state has already dropped Principles of Sociology from all general education offerings; last year state officials declared the discipline inherently liberal. Now more courses are on the chopping block: Starting next fall, students across Florida’s 40 public institutions will have many fewer gen ed options to choose from, particularly on the subjects of race, gender, sexuality and diversity."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/state-oversight/2024/10/03/florida-institutions-slash-general-education-offerings
2 Volleyball Teams Refuse to Play Against Team With Trans Player
October 1, 2024
"Two women’s volleyball teams have forfeited games against San José State University, apparently in protest of the fact that a transgender woman reportedly plays for the university’s team, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Boise State University declined to compete against SJSU last Friday, and Southern Utah University did the same during a tournament Sept. 14."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/10/01/two-volleyball-teams-refuse-play-team-trans-player
Can DEI Officers Prove Their Worth?
October 1, 2024
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/can-dei-officers-prove-their-worth
Penn Professor Amy Wax Punished for ‘Derogatory’ Statements but Won’t Lose Job
After years of a disciplinary procedure, the lightning-rod law professor accused of “incessant racist, sexist, xenophobic and homophobic actions and statements” is now being punished.
September 24, 2024
“'That conduct,' Magill wrote, 'included a history of sweeping, blithe and derogatory generalizations about groups by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and immigration status.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2024/09/24/penns-amy-wax-punished-statements-wont-lose-job
More at a wide variety of places, including:
Penn to impose major sanctions on law professor Amy Wax after years of controversy
September 23, 2024
at The Daily Pennsylvanian at www.thedp.com/article/2024/09/penn-committee-upholds-sanctions-amy-wax
Penn sanctions controversial professor for ‘flagrant unprofessional conduct’
A faculty committee found Amy Wax had a history of making derogatory generalizations about groups of people based on race, gender, sexual orientation and immigration status.
September 23, 2024
Penn Suspends Amy Wax, Law Professor Accused of Making Racist Statements
The case tested the limits of academic freedom and tenure.
September 23, 2024
at The New York Times at www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/us/university-of-pennsylvania-law-school-amy-wax.html
Colleges Say GOP Bill to Protect Free Speech Would Do the Opposite
The House passed legislation Thursday that could make it more difficult for public colleges to enforce new protest policies.
September 20, 2024
"In addition to the free speech measures, the legislation would codify a Trump-era rule that protected the right of religious student organizations to set their own policies. The Biden administration has proposed rolling back that rule due to concerns that it could allow religious student groups to discriminate against vulnerable and marginalized students, such as LGBTQ+ persons."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/09/20/bill-end-woke-higher-education-clears-house
Iowa Board of Regents begins review of university DEI programs for compliance with law
September 19, 2024
"It is also defined as efforts to promote policies, procedures or programming developed or implemented with reference to these demographics and sexuality and gender orientation, along with attempts to put out as an official stance of a university a 'particular, widely contested opinion referencing unconscious or implicit bias, cultural appropriation, allyship, transgender ideology, microaggressions, group marginalization, antiracism, systemic oppression, social justice, intersectionality, neo-pronouns, heteronormativity, disparate impact, gender theory, racial privilege, sexual privilege, or any related formulation of these concepts.'”
More at Iowa Capital Dispatch at https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/09/19/iowa-board-of-regents-begins-review-of-university-dei-programs-for-compliance-with-law/
A look at DEI eliminations at colleges across the US
We’re rounding up some of the most recent rollbacks to diversity, equity and inclusion amid a Republican-led crackdown against such efforts.
September 19, 2024
"Below is a roundup of the growing number of colleges shuttering offices and centers created to help groups like Black students, college women and members of the LGBTQ community amid intense pressure and a political tug of war."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/dei-eliminations-cuts-offices-colleges-texas-florida-kentucky-alabama/727414/
Proud Boys Founder, Yiannopoulos to Mock Harris at U of S.C.
September 18, 2024
McInnes is a podcaster who co-founded Vice Media and founded the Proud Boys, a group that—after McInnes said he left it—became involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Four leaders of the group have been convicted of seditious conspiracy for their actions that day. Yiannopoulos, from 2015 to 2017, hosted the controversial 'Dangerous Faggot' tour across college campuses. His planned February 2017 appearance at the University of California, Berkeley, spurred violence and the cancellation of his speech. Later that month, he resigned from the conservative Breitbart News after he appeared to endorse pedophilia."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/09/18/proud-boys-founder-yiannopoulos-mock-harris-u-sc
Professor Allegedly Fired for Transgender Views Wins Appeal
September 17, 2024
"The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that a lawsuit filed by a University of Louisville professor who alleged he was demoted because of his views on gender dysphoria can proceed to trial at the district court."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/09/17/professor-allegedly-fired-transgender-views-wins-appeal
U of North Texas Eliminates Identity-Based Faculty Groups
September 12, 2024
"The cuts include Faculty Senate committees for women, people of color and LGBTQ+ employees, as well as a number of networking groups, including those for new faculty, Christians, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Black employees, and employees who were born in other countries."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/09/12/u-north-texas-eliminates-identity-based-faculty-groups
LGBTQ+ Studies at Michigan Universities Shine Light on Overlooked Queer History
From communications classes to entire LGBTQ+ majors, students have an array of options
September 12, 2024
"In an election year where LGBTQ+ identity is politicized and often at the center of debate, education on LGBTQ+ issues is critical. Many Michigan universities are offering LGBTQ+ courses and educational opportunities to combat a wave of assumptions and hurtful rhetoric."
More at Pridesource at https://pridesource.com/article/lgbtq-studies-at-michigan-universities-shine-light-on-overlooked-queer-history
59 Fewer Jobs and $17 Million in Cuts: How a University System Got Rid of DEI
September 11, 2024
"North Carolina State University, a large research institution like Chapel Hill, reported 27 job reassignments, including all positions that had been located within the department of multicultural student affairs, the LGBTQ-pride center, the women’s center, and the African American cultural center."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/59-fewer-jobs-and-17-million-in-cuts-how-a-university-system-got-rid-of-dei
See also:
September 12, 2024
N.C. Universities Have Cut 59 Positions Since DEI Policy Repeal
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/09/12/nc-universities-cut-59-positions-after-dei-policy-repeal
and
Tracking Higher Ed’s Dismantling of DEI
Updated September 6, 2024
at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/tracking-higher-eds-dismantling-of-dei
Here’s where Trump and Harris stand on 6 education issues
September 8, 2024
"In April, the Biden-Harris administration expanded protections against sex discrimination in schools to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Meaning, among other things, it believes students should be allowed to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity."
"Of the books that were targeted in the 2021-’22 and ‘22-’23 school years, the nonprofit found that 37% grappled with race and racism and included characters of color, and 36% included LGBTQ+ characters and themes."
More at NPR at www.npr.org/2024/09/08/nx-s1-5103698/trump-harris-election-platforms-education-views
University faculty in the South increasingly worried about political climate, survey shows
September 5, 2024
"In addition to higher education-specific concerns, such as attacks on tenure and removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, some faculty cited anti-LGBTQ+ laws and abortion bans among their reasons for wanting to leave the South."
More at Louisiana Illuminator at https://lailluminator.com/2024/09/05/university-faculty-in-the-south-increasingly-worried-about-political-climate-survey-shows/
New College library dean terminated after investigation over books found in dumpster
September 5, 2025
at News Channel 8 at www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/new-college-library-dean-terminated-following-investigation-over-books-found-in-dumpster/
Notre Dame Men's Teams Issues Go Far Beyond Gambling, Source Says
August 29, 2024
The investigation stems from allegations of hazing, and group texts involving homophobic slurs and bestiality, according to the source. Individual athletes are being investigated for their roles in the alleged behaviors.
More at SwimSwam at https://swimswam.com/notre-dame-mens-teams-issues-go-far-beyond-gambling-source-says/
Utah VP on DEI Closures: ‘It’s Been a Grieving Process’
Lori McDonald, the University of Utah’s vice president of student affairs, reflects on the expedited process officials took to comply with the state’s new anti-DEI law.
August 29, 2024
"There are obviously some perceptions that services and supports in some of these centers are not open to all students. The LGBT Resource Center at the University of Utah was just over 20 years old, and it had the word 'resource' in its name. Certainly, our whole campus community benefited from programs and things like that. But ultimately it was started as a student support center with resources. And so, if we take that away, what is that?"
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2024/08/29/dei-division-closure-has-been-grieving-process-utah
New Sweet Briar Policy Bars Transgender Students
The Virginia women’s college made the change to comport with its founding documents, creating a stricter gender admissions policy than many of its peers.
August 28, 2024
"In a move that has upset students, alumnae and faculty, Sweet Briar College announced earlier this month that it was changing its admissions policy and will no longer accept transgender applicants."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/trustees-regents/2024/08/28/new-sweet-briar-policy-bars-transgender-students
Survey: College Students Impacted by Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies
A new analysis from the Trevor Project found connections between students who reported their institution had policies that didn’t support LGBTQ+ students and poor mental health as well as negative experiences at their school.
August 27, 2024
"Anti-LGBTQ+ school policies, in addition to harming students’ feelings of belonging at their institution, may also have consequences for students’ mental health, according to new research from the Trevor Project."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2024/08/27/how-institutional-practices-can-impact-lgbtq
Colleges Must Accommodate Pregnant Students Under New Title IX
Pregnancy was always implicitly protected by Title IX. But Biden’s new rules formalize the rights of pregnant and parenting students, making higher ed more accessible.
August 27, 2024
"Injunctions blocking the Department of Education from enforcing Biden’s Title IX regulations in certain states—resulting from lawsuits filed by conservative advocates who object to the inclusion of protections for transgender students—have also hampered the rollout of new protections for pregnant students."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2024/08/27/biden-title-ix-mandates-accommodations-pregnant-students
New College’s Book Dumping Went Viral. A Beloved Student-Led Center Was the Biggest Loss.
August 27, 2024
"A room tucked away at New College of Florida used to be decorated wall-to-wall with student-made oil paintings and drawings. One side housed a collection of books covering topics like gender studies, Black history, and LGBTQ+ issues. Another corner featured art supplies, including crochet hooks, stitch markers, and knitting needles used by the college’s decades-old knitting club, Anarchy Deathsticks."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/new-colleges-book-dumping-went-viral-a-beloved-student-led-center-was-the-biggest-loss
New College moves to fire top librarian over book disposals
Some 13,000 books were suddenly discarded under the watch of the dean of the college’s library.
August 27, 2024
Read with subscription to Tampa Bay Times at
www.tampabay.com/news/education/2024/08/27/new-college-moves-fire-top-librarian-over-book-disposals/
Alabama’s anti-DEI law kicks in: College offices close, websites scrubbed
August 26, 2024
"Those events were 'life-bringers,' Atchison said, that provided a space for LGBTQ students to celebrate their accomplishments, create traditions and quell anxiety. Former staff at Safe Zone also were vital; Atchison said they helped him through a traumatic experience and connected him with campus resources."
More at Alabama Media Group at www.al.com/educationlab/2024/08/how-alabamas-anti-dei-law-kicks-in-college-offices-closed-websites-scrubbed.html
Queer students look for alternatives after Texas A&M ends transgender health care services
The students saw the move as part of a political environment that has become increasingly hostile against LGBTQ+ people in Texas.
August 21, 2024
"Transgender and queer students are skeptical of that explanation and believe the university acted in response to pressure from conservative groups. They say the move shows the university is not willing to support them equally."
More at The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org/2024/08/21/texas-a-m-trans-health-care/
SCOTUS's order on the Title IX sex discrimination rule, explained
Anti-trans politics powered the challenges, but the federal judiciary did this — from the conservative high court to far-right lower court judges empowered to act out.
August 20, 2024
"The August 16 order is powered by the anti-trans politics of the day, but it is made possible by far-right lower court judges who have been empowered previously — and yet again in the order — by the majority of the Supreme Court. The order also highlighted further systemic difficulties — and questions about how the Democratic appointees on the court are handling this moment."
More at Law Dork at www.lawdork.com/p/scotus-order-on-the-title-ix-rule-explained
New College of Florida Is Dumping Books—and Losing Professors
The conservative transformation of the institution continues, with gender studies texts being tossed and the faculty chair, plus other professors, taking leave.
August 20, 2024
"The Gender and Diversity Center book disposal coincided with the college’s main library throwing away books. The media coverage of that bibliophile’s nightmare—piles of volumes being tossed in a dumpster—continued through Monday."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2024/08/20/new-college-florida-dumping-books-and-losing
See also:
August 21, 2024
U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Patty Murray condemn New College of Florida book disposal
A book co-authored by the senators was among those thrown out by New College from the Gender and Diversity Center.
at Sarasota Herald-Tribune at www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2024/08/21/susan-collins-patty-murray-condemn-new-colleges-book-disposal/74889309007/
August 22, 2024
Senators ‘Stunned’ After New College of Florida Dumped Their Book
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/08/22/senators-stunned-after-new-college-dumped-their-book
SCOTUS's order on the Title IX sex discrimination rule, explained
Anti-trans politics powered the challenges, but the federal judiciary did this — from the conservative high court to far-right lower court judges empowered to act out.
August 20, 2024
"The problems of today’s federal judiciary have been clear for some time, but the U.S. Supreme Court’s order allowing lower courts to block the Biden administration’s entire 423-page sex discrimination education rule while litigation continues brought many of those problems together in a jarring way that further highlights how incredibly imbalanced today’s judiciary is."
More at Law Dork at www.lawdork.com/p/scotus-order-on-the-title-ix-rule-explained
Why this Florida school literally threw LGBTQ-friendly books into a dumpster
The public university, now run by right-wing culture warriors, is continuing a tradition of taking away books for the supposed good of the people.
August 19, 2024
"On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in August, just a week before students were due to return to campus, the administration of New College of Florida emptied the library of the college’s Gender and Diversity Center by putting those books in a dumpster. They were joined shortly afterward by books from the main library, most on topics related to religion and LGBTQ+ issues."
More at CNBC at www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/florida-new-college-book-ban-lgbtq-gender-studies-rcna166845
New College of Florida library dean placed on administrative leave after book disposal
August 19, 2024
"Her departure comes following increased attention to the college's libraries after hundreds of books could be seen overflowing from a dumpster behind the Jane Bancroft Cook Library Thursday afternoon. With the disposing of library books, New College also disposed of materials from the now-defunct Gender and Diversity Center — a student-run and student-curated library of books on subjects such as the LGBTQ+ community, Black stories and women. These books lived across campus at the Hamilton Center, a student-life and dining building."
More at Sarasota Herald-Tribune at www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2024/08/19/new-college-florida-library-dean-placed-on-leave-after-book-disposal/74861630007/
See also:
New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran says media 'misconstrued' book disposal
August 19, 2024
at Sarasota Herald-Tribune at www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2024/08/19/new-college-of-florida-resident-richard-corcoran-talks-book-disposal/74860303007/
Supreme Court blocks partial enforcement of final Title IX rule
Justices rebuffed the Biden administration’s emergency request to allow noncontroversial parts of the regulations to move forward in some states with injunctions.
August 16, 2024
"Federal courts have temporarily blocked the Education Department from enforcing the rule in at least 26 states, due to its controversial LGBTQI+ protections. The Justice Department’s request to allow portions of the rule to be enforced covered at least 10 Republican-leaning states that challenged those protections shortly after the rule was released to much controversy in April."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/supreme-court-rejects-emergency-request-partial-title-ix-rule-enforcement-education-department/724524/
Legislation Isn’t All That Negatively Impacts DEI practitioners
Many experience incivility, bullying, belittling and a disregard for their views and feelings on their own campuses, write Nelia Viveiros, M. Gabriela Torres, and Elizabeth Hutchison.
August 16, 2024
"In our study, we also analyzed our data for evidence of contrapower harassment based on racial, gender and sexuality status. The focus of harassing behavior differed for each of these groups in important ways. In our sample, 81 percent of female-identifying antidiscrimination practitioners experienced threats, intimidation, or demands and ultimatums to control their actions. More than half of those threats included shouting, swearing or the raising of voices, as well as hostile or derogatory remarks based on gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/conditionally-accepted/2024/08/16/challenges-dei-practitioners-experience
New College of Florida tosses hundreds of library books, empties gender diversity library
August 15, 2024
"Hundreds of New College of Florida library books, including many on LGBTQ+ topics and religious studies, are headed to a landfill."
More at Sarasota Herald-Tribune at www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2024/08/15/new-college-of-florida-throws-away-hundreds-of-library-books-diversity-lgbtq/74814756007/
See also:
New College of Florida Trashes Library Books
August 16, 2024
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/08/16/new-college-florida-throws-away-hundreds-library-books
U of Florida Shutters Student Center Amid DEI Attacks
August 6, 2024
"The center—which houses the Office of Hispanic Latinx Student Engagement, the Office of Black Student Engagement, the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Student Engagement and the Office of LGBTQ+ Student Engagement—was initially not subject to the university’s sweeping DEI program cuts this spring, but its future has been unclear since. UF spokesperson Steve Orlando told the Alligator that the center is changing to comply with the law and that more information would be available in the coming weeks."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/08/06/u-florida-shutters-multicultural-center-amid-dei-attacks
What’s the State of Transgender College Students’ Rights? Here’s a Primer.
August 2, 2024
"Public colleges in a handful of states, including Utah, Texas, and Florida, have shuttered their LGBTQ centers in response to anti-DEI legislation. While private colleges and student groups have tried to fill gaps, transgender students and other vulnerable groups have mourned the loss of spaces where they could be themselves."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/whats-the-state-of-transgender-college-students-rights-heres-a-primer
LSU president shares anti-trans misinformation, breaking his own neutrality policy
August 2, 2024
"LSU President William Tate shared a video Thursday from an anti-transgender group on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that amplified misinformation about an Olympic athlete."
More at Louisiana Illuminator at https://lailluminator.com/2024/08/02/lsu-president-shares-anti-trans-misinformation-breaking-his-own-neutrality-policy/
Title IX rule blocked in more than half of states — just as it takes effect
The Education Department clarified on Thursday that it will continue enforcing the 2020 rule in states where the new rule is paused.
August 1, 2024
"The Biden administration’s final Title IX rule protecting LGBTQ+ students is temporarily blocked in at least 26 states after the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday issued an administrative injunction the evening before the rule’s Aug. 1 implementation date. The Education Department will enforce the 2020 rule in those states."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/title-ix-rule-blocked-26-states-august-implementation-education-department/723083/
See also:
- August 1, 2024
Biden admin's Title IX sex discrimination rule goes into effect — but it's blocked in 26 states
As of mid-day Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court hadn't even ruled on the Justice Department's request to pare back the injunctions during appeals.
"When it comes to the Biden administration’s long-awaited Title IX sex discrimination education rule, which went into effect Thursday, America truly is two nations. Due to a series of lower-court injunctions, the Education Department is blocked from enforcing the rule, which includes LGBTQ school protections, in 26 states across the country."
at Law Dork at www.lawdork.com/p/biden-admins-title-ix-sex-discrimination
- August 1, 2024
How Biden’s Title IX Reform Became a Legal Morass
Conservatives have partly stymied the administration’s efforts to overhaul Title IX, getting the new regulations temporarily blocked in 26 states over objections to expanded rights for LGBTQ+ students. Here’s how the last 100 days have unfolded.
"A little more than 100 days ago, the Biden administration finalized its overhaul of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which promised to usher in a new era for the federal civil rights law with greater protections for LGBTQ+ students and those who are pregnant, as well as new measures aimed at better supporting victims of sexual harassment."
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/2024/08/01/how-legal-challenges-tied-title-ix-26-states
- August 1, 2024
A New Title IX Era Brings Confusion and Frustration
A spate of lawsuits and court injunctions has complicated colleges’ efforts to comply with the Biden administration’s overhaul of the 52-year-old law, leaving Title IX coordinators frustrated and uncertain about how to move forward.
"The Biden administration’s new Title IX regulations, which strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ students and change how colleges respond to reports of sexual harassment, take effect today nationwide. Kind of."
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2024/08/01/enforcement-bidens-title-ix-rule-complicated-lawsuits
- August 1, 2024
Judge Blocks New Title IX Rule in Oklahoma
"A federal judge ruled yesterday that the Education Department cannot enforce new Title IX regulations in Oklahoma, just one day before the rules were set to take effect."
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/08/01/federal-judge-blocks-new-title-ix-rule-oklahoma
Faculty Dissent on LGBTQ Issues Under Scrutiny at Calvin U
The Christian Reformed Church called on Calvin University to make changes to a process used by faculty who disagree with some church teachings. The move has LGBTQ-friendly faculty worried.
August 1, 2024
"Calvin University is under pressure from its owner, the Christian Reformed Church of North America, to re-examine a process by which professors can formally disagree with aspects of church doctrine."
More at Inside Higher Ed at https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/religious-colleges/2024/08/01/calvin-university-tasked-re-examining-faculty
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