News Related to Higher Education and LGBTQIA+ Stakeholders
Below are archived, still relevant, articles from July - December 2023.
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
Texas Colleges Prepare for the End of DEI
Eliminating multicultural centers. Adding new offices for “engagement” and “citizenship.” Dispersing DEI personnel. These are just some of the steps Texas institutions have taken ahead of the Jan. 1 launch of SB 17.
December 19, 2023
"But that preparation has varied greatly depending on the institution. Some universities jumped into overdrive as soon as Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill in June, immediately cutting DEI and related offices, such as multicultural and LGBTQ+ resource centers. Other institutions remain in limbo, unsure what if any actions to take ahead of the Jan. 1 deadline."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2023/12/19/texas-institutions-prepare-anti-dei-law-go-effect
Religious Tradition Butts Against Catholic College’s New Trans Policy
A local bishop is at the center of opposition to a decision by Saint Mary’s College, a women’s institution in Indiana, to consider admitting trans women.
December 19, 2023
"The leaders of Saint Mary’s College, a Catholic women’s institution in Indiana, recently became embroiled in a controversy after a local bishop publicly criticized them for deciding to consider transgender women applicants for admission."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/religious-colleges/2023/12/19/indiana-bishop-opposes-catholic-colleges-new-trans
War in Gaza Fuels Faculty Free Speech Battles
Advocates for campus free expression and academic freedom say they’ve seen increased reports of squelched speech since Oct. 7—often following social media campaigns and political pressure.
December 18, 2023
“'Attacks against faculty have always disproportionately affected faculty of color and queer faculty and women and female faculty—we’re seeing that that is remaining the same,' Kamola said. But he said this 'right-wing media ecosystem' shifts the issues it targets faculty members over, and in the last two months these websites have had 'a sharp increase in attacks on faculty who express solidarity with Palestine, who express criticisms of the state of Israel.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2023/12/18/israels-war-gaza-fuels-faculty-free-speech-battles
Student Athletes’ Mental Health Has Improved, but Not for All
Female athletes are more than twice as likely as their male peers to feel overwhelmed, according to a new NCAA report.
December 15, 2023
"But disparities remain; female athletes, athletes of color and LGBTQ+ athletes still report disproportionately high rates of struggling with their mental health."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/physical-mental-health/2023/12/15/mental-health-student-athletes-has-improved-some
Did the Top Campus for Student Free Speech Punish Faculty Speech?
A Michigan Tech professor allegedly called Young Americans for Freedom members “idiots” in class—and was then removed from the class.
December 11, 2023
"Carl Blair, a teaching professor in Michigan Technological University’s social sciences department, says Michigan Tech removed him from teaching one of his classes and barred him from contacting students enrolled in it. The public university allegedly did this last month after a national conservative group with campus chapters posted online an audio clip of him during a class, purportedly calling members of that group homophobic, dumb and racist."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2023/12/11/michigan-tech-professor-allegedly-called
Education Department unveils timeline for Title IX, loan forgiveness rules
The agency’s regulatory agenda also reveals it will pursue rulemaking on the law requiring colleges to report foreign gifts worth $250,000 or more.
December 7, 2023
"The U.S. Department of Education indicated in its latest regulatory agenda that it will release two long-awaited Title IX rules in March, likely sparking frustration among campus sexual assault prevention and LGBTQ+ advocates after repeated delays."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/education-department-unveils-timeline-for-title-ix-loan-forgiveness-rules/701949/
See also:
New Title IX Regulations Pushed to March
December 8, 2023
“'For years, students across the country have lived under former President Donald Trump’s Title IX policies that weakened protections for sexual assault and harassment survivors and sowed confusion about the extent of students’ protections against sex discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics,' House Democrats wrote in a Nov. 30 letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona."
www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/12/08/new-title-ix-regulations-pushed-march
Why Faculty Members Are Fleeing Florida
Dismay over the academic climate has led to a wave of resignations.
December 6, 2023
“'As a queer educator, cultural and community organizer, it is immensely difficult to live within the current political climate of Florida,' Jessica Borusky wrote in their December 5, 2022, letter resigning as a lecturer and gallery director at the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at https://www.chronicle.com/article/why-faculty-members-are-fleeing-florida
University of Utah Students Criminally Charged for Protest
December 6, 2023
"The students were members of MECHA, a self-identified socialist group largely led by and for Black, Indigenous, queer and trans individuals. The event the students interrupted was a screening of a documentary about transgender individuals who later resumed identifying with the gender they were assigned at birth. It was held by Young Americans for Freedom, a conservative student organization."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/12/06/u-utah-students-criminally-charged-protest
In final AP African American studies curriculum, some topics DeSantis blasted are gone
December 6, 2023
A review of the 300-page course by the Miami Herald shows the College Board decided to exclude topics on the Black queer experience — a topic DeSantis has singled out in his criticism — and only include the Black Lives Matter movement and the reparations debate as optional, meaning they won’t be required or included on the final AP exam."
More at Miami Herald at https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article282715468.html
Misleading Numbers: Examining Data Reliability in Public Health
Data can be very important, but they need to be correct. In today’s Academic Minute, part of New York University Week, Joseph Cimpian discusses how bad data can have big consequences.
December 4, 2023
"However, not all disparities are affected by these inaccuracies. LGBQ youth remained at a higher risk for being bullied and contemplating suicide, a stark reminder of the challenges they face daily."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/podcasts/academic-minute/2023/12/03/misleading-numbers-examining-data-reliability-public-health
House Democrats press Education Department over Title IX rule delay
The Biden administration missed its October deadline for publishing two highly anticipated regulations.
November 30, 2023
"Its second planned rule — which intends to protect transgender students under Title IX — has garnered some criticism from pro-LGBTQ+ organizations. That’s because in some cases, federally funded schools would be able to keep transgender players from joining teams matching their gender identity, if they decided it was for reasons like fairness or safety."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/house-democrats-press-education-department-over-title-ix-rule-delay/701201/
Women’s college Saint Mary’s now accepts transgender applicants
The prominent Roman Catholic institution in Indiana will consider all undergraduates “who consistently live and identify as women.”
November 30, 2023
"Saint Mary’s College, a historically women’s Roman Catholic institution in Indiana, will consider transgender women for admission into its undergraduate programs, beginning in fall 2024."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/womens-college-saint-marys-now-accepts-transgender-applicants/701029/
Youngstown State Taps Controversial Congressman as President
Faculty and students are concerned about the confidential process used to hire Representative Bill Johnson, who has disputed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
November 29, 2023
"In their attacks on Johnson, critics have specifically pointed to his denial of the 2020 election results and his opposition to same-sex marriage, which some believe may make LGBTQ+ students feel unwelcome and affect recruiting."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2023/11/29/youngstown-state-taps-controversial-congressman
Slouching Toward Sensitivity
Content warning: This essay contains obscenities, slurs, sex, bullying, child abuse, alcoholism, pregnancy, addiction, murder, suicide, religion, culture, opinions, politics, language, and academe.
November 28, 2023
"This book is a college text, which means that virtually all of its users are 18 and over. My publisher is, with my enthusiastic concurrence, eager to introduce these reader-writers to LGBTQ+ authors and to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) authors who have been denied attention for most of American history (and at last count, 2018, were still underrepresented in print by 30 percent). The publisher also wants to avoid giving offense to its diverse audience. And because it also needs to sell books in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Tennessee, such diversity includes, for instance, evangelical Christians. Scores of similarly squeezed textbooks must already be in proof or in print."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/slouching-toward-sensitivity
University of Michigan regents want out of professor’s lawsuit accusing official of homophobia
November 27, 2023
"University of Michigan regents want to be removed from an embattled nursing professor’s lawsuit accusing officials of homophobic discrimination and retaliation, federal court records show."
More at MLive at www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/11/university-of-michigan-regents-want-out-of-professors-lawsuit-accusing-official-of-homophobia.html
Death threats follow transgender swimmer’s victory
November 22, 2023
"A transgender swimmer from Ramapo College set a school record in the women’s 100-yard butterfly event on Saturday, unleashing anger on social media that has culminated in death threats, according to the college."
More at NJ.com at www.nj.com/education/2023/11/death-threats-follow-transgender-swimmers-victory.html
Iowa Regents Approve DEI Cuts
November 20, 2023
“'The Regents chose to align with an extremist group of House Republicans, showing blatant disregard for the compelling evidence from data, research, and the desires of the campus community,' read a statement from One Iowa, a state LGBTQ+ advocacy group. 'Eliminating these crucial diversity, equity, and inclusion programs will devastate our universities’ capacity to attract, retain, and prepare students for their future careers.'"
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/11/20/iowa-regents-approve-significant-cuts-dei-offerings
See also:
November 16, 2023
Iowa university board votes to roll back DEI initiatives
Members approved recommendations to eliminate campuswide DEI efforts not required for colleges to stay compliant with the law or accreditation standards.
Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/iowa-university-board-vote-roll-back-dei-initiatives/700104/
Are Public Colleges in Texas Still Allowed to Celebrate Pride Month? Depends Who You Ask.
November 17, 2023
"Antonio L. Ingram II is investigating the potential impact of Senate Bill 17 on communities of color and the LGBTQIA+ community in Texas as an assistant counsel for the Legal Defense Fund, a racial-justice-advocacy organization."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/are-public-colleges-in-texas-still-allowed-to-celebrate-pride-month-depends-who-you-ask
Florida Looks to Remove Sociology From Gen. Ed.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said he proposed the change to make room for civic literacy, but some sociology professors are doubtful.
November 17, 2023
"Critics of the move believe that the course is being targeted because it covers race, gender and sexual orientation, topics that have drawn intense backlash and in some cases have even been banned by conservative politicians in Florida and beyond. Most recently, the New College of Florida board voted to remove gender studies as a major, an effort spearheaded by Christopher Rufo, a trustee and conservative activist who has also rallied against Florida State University’s sociology department."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2023/11/17/sociology-may-be-removed-gen-ed-course-list-florida
See also:
November 16, 2023
The Right-Wing Attack on Academia, With a Totalitarian Twist
New model legislation, ostensibly meant to overhaul general education, proposes a radical assault on faculty and academic freedom, John K. Wilson writes.
Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/11/16/new-front-right-wing-attack-academia-opinion
Did DEI Rules Trample On a Professor’s Free Speech? A Judge Says It’s Plausible.
November 16, 2023
"The lawsuit, filed in July against Kern Community College District officials, states Johnson objects to the DEI rules because they impose an 'ideology' he does not agree with. The lawsuit claims the district’s requirements direct him to refer 'to transgender students by their preferred pronouns,' and it alleges that mandatory DEI training promotes evaluating faculty by their 'membership in a particular race-based group” rather than merit.'"
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/did-dei-rules-trample-on-a-professors-free-speech-a-judge-says-its-plausible
See also:
November 14, 2023
Magistrate judge sides with professor in First Amendment suit over Bakersfield College diversity policies
Without court intervention the professor will likely face consequences for failing to adhere to diversity, equity and inclusion teaching requirements, the judge said in his recommendation.
Courthouse News Service at www.courthousenews.com/magistrate-judge-sides-with-professor-in-first-amendment-suit-over-bakersfield-college-diversity-policies/
Professor Sues Mayo Over Threat to Fire Him for Interviews
November 15, 2023
“'Mayo Clinic did not discipline Dr. Joyner for statements he made about testosterone or transgender athletes,' the statement said."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/11/15/professor-sues-mayo-over-threat-fire-him-interviews
Why Is Stanley Fish Teaching at Florida’s New College?
An interview about politics, academic freedom, and "ideological order."
November 15, 2023
"The question you want to ask is, Is the study of gender an important or significant part of the intellectual scene in the past number of years? The answer to that seems incontrovertibly to be yes."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/why-is-stanley-fish-teaching-at-floridas-new-college
IU Board Tables Controversial Changes to Kinsey Institute
November 13, 2023
"The Indiana University Board of Trustees tabled its scheduled Friday vote on controversial changes to the Kinsey Institute. IU administrators had proposed spinning off part of the historic sex research institute as a nonprofit, creating concerns about the future of the institute and its extensive collection of sex-, gender- and erotica-related materials."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/11/13/iu-board-tables-controversial-changes-kinsey-institute
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Historic Kinsey Sex Research Institute May Face a Divorce
Faculty members are alarmed by an Indiana University proposal to spin off an unclear portion of the Kinsey Institute’s operations into a separate nonprofit.
November 7, 2023
"The Kinsey Institute, the historic sex research entity affiliated with Indiana University at Bloomington for more than 75 years, has long faced conservative attacks—ever since the 1940s and ’50s publication of the Kinsey reports and their “Kinsey scale,” which posited a wide range of human sexuality beyond just straight or gay."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2023/11/07/historic-kinsey-sex-research-institute-may-face
Florida Approves Controversial Anti-DEI Regulations
Students expressed worry that the broad definitions of diversity and activism laid out in the regulations will severely restrict free expression on campus.
November 10, 2023
"SB 266 prohibits public universities from using state dollars to fund any activities concerning 'diversity, equity and inclusion' or 'political or social activism.' But the new regulations adopt a broad interpretation of the terms, defining DEI as 'any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2023/11/10/florida-board-governors-approves-anti-dei-regulations
Oregon State Professor Accused of Falsely Claiming Native Ancestry
The Tribal Alliance Against Frauds says Qwo-Li Driskill is lying when they claim Indigenous ancestry.
November 7, 2023
"Driskill has received recognition for their work on the intersection of queer and indigenous experiences."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2023/11/07/oregon-state-professor-accused-falsely-claiming
House Education Budget Cuts Federal Work-Study, Other Programs
November 7, 2023
"The spending plan allocates $5 million toward two new programs to support Hispanic-serving institutions. But the Republican plan would prevent the department from moving forward with some of its intended changes to the student loan system, including the new income-driven repayment program, and would also block it from carrying out new regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that would protect transgender student athletes and reverse Trump-era rules."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/11/07/house-education-budget-cuts-federal-work-study-other-programs
Title IX Activists Reflect on Last Decade
Know Your IX’s transformation from online campaign to organization with a national network of student activists is a snapshot of how the movement to end campus sexual assault has evolved.
November 2, 2023
"The Biden administration has proposed new Title IX rules that undo most of the current regulations that were put in place by the Trump administration. The proposed rules also expand protections for LGBTQ+ students and make it easier for students to report sexual harassment. Activists have sharply criticized the Trump rules, which they say are harmful to students who experience assault or harassment. Know Your IX was one of the organizations that sued to block the Trump rules; the lawsuit was dismissed."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/2023/11/02/title-ix-activists-continue-push-new-rule-reflect-progress-made
See also:
Final Title IX rules delayed once more as Education Department misses deadline
The agency did not announce a new deadline for the two proposals, though advocacy groups worry about keeping the current rule in place.
November 1, 2023
"The broader Title IX regulatory proposal announced last June would, for the first time, protect LGBTQ+ students under the federal anti-sex discrimination law. The proposed rule received more than 240,000 comments during its public review period that ended in September 2022."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/final-title-ix-rules-delayed-again/698423/
Why One College President Is Denouncing a Conservative Campus Group
October 23, 2023
"In an interview with The Chronicle, Crow went even further, suggesting that the two men from Turning Point USA should be prosecuted for hate crimes. ASU’s police department is investigating but had yet to release a report as of Monday."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/why-one-college-president-is-denouncing-a-conservative-campus-group
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Arizona State Instructor Followed, Injured by Turning Point USA Crew
Police investigate an altercation with a queer ASU educator as possible aggravated assault by an operative of the right-wing group.
October 14, 2023
"Two associates of the right-wing organization Turning Point USA followed a queer Arizona State University instructor on campus Wednesday afternoon, with one demanding he answer questions about 'How long you’ve been attracted to minors' and 'How long you’ve fantasized about minors having sex with adults' while the other filmed the encounter."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2023/10/14/arizona-state-instructor-followed-injured-turning
A college LGBTQ center disappeared. It wasn’t the only one.
Research shows LGBTQ college students face persistent barriers to getting into college and staying there. That’s where LGBTQ centers come in. But the centers are starting to disappear.
October 19, 2023
"Yet even those laws are raising questions about how they could affect the lives of vulnerable college students. In the meantime, LGBTQ centers at several colleges across Texas and Florida are being shuttered, with little clarification from college leaders."
More at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/10/19/university-lgbtq-centers-disappearing/71147364007/
Scientists Rebuke U.K. Leader’s ‘Woke Science’ Comments
October 19, 2023
"The scientists also rejected what they called Donelan’s “over-simplistic or scientifically illiterate arguments” about the difference between gender identity and biological definitions of sex. They said her proposal would only serve to make scientific research more political and less trustworthy in the eyes of the public."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/10/19/researchers-rebuke-uk-leaders-woke-science-comments
Oklahoma senators hear interim study criticizing DEI programs in higher education
October 19, 2023
"In recent years, state government officials, like Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have made efforts to limit teaching topics like critical race theory and 2SLGBTQ+ related issues."
More at OU Daily at www.oudaily.com/news/oklahoma-senators-hear-interim-study-criticizing-dei-programs-in-higher-education/article_376e77c4-6e06-11ee-b7a6-434a99f4980d.html
We 7 former Florida college presidents say enough is enough
We need to protect everyone’s fundamental right to learn about and openly discuss ideas that some would suppress.
October 18, 2023
"Although the severity of these recent legislative attacks is unprecedented, attempts to censor educational content in the state of Florida have a history. In 1956, the state Legislature created a Legislative Investigation Committee to investigate civil rights activists, LGBTQ+ individuals and alleged Communists on college campuses in Florida. The Legislative Investigation Committee, better known as the Johns Committee, continued until 1964 with the release of the committee’s report, colloquially called the Purple Pamphlet for the color of the cover. The public had finally had enough."
More at Tampa Bay Times at www.tampabay.com/opinion/2023/10/18/we-7-former-florida-college-presidents-say-enough-is-enough-column/
See also:
Former Florida Presidents to Legislators: ‘Enough Is Enough’
October 19, 2023
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/10/19/former-florida-presidents-legislators-enough-enough
EMU's LGBT Resource Center offers students support on campus
EMU's LGBT Resource Center hosted "OUT on the Lawn" for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
October 16, 2023
"At Eastern Michigan University, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC) aims to foster students’ sense of belonging and contribute to a culture of equity through its programming, advocacy, and education. Their goal is to serve all students with underrepresented gender, romantic, and sexual identities as they foster rich, dynamic experiences."
More at The Eastern Echo at www.easternecho.com/article/2023/10/emus-lgbt-resource-center-offers-students-support-on-campus
A trans woman joined a sorority. Then her new sisters turned on her.
A 21-year-old University of Wyoming student was looking for community. Instead, she faced death threats, a federal lawsuit and an attempt to kick her out.
October 14, 2023
"Right-wing pundits portrayed her on national television as a predator — as a perverted man who faked his way into a sorority to leer at women. Death threats followed. Strangers began stalking her. Police assigned extra patrols to the sorority house."
More at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2023/trans-women-sorority-kappa-kappa-gamma-wyoming/
Here’s What Florida’s Proposed Anti-DEI Regulations Would Ban
October 12, 2023
"Florida’s new law to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion activities in higher education would effectively gut public colleges’ explicit efforts to improve the academic outcomes of women, LGBTQ students, and students of color, if a preliminary draft of a regulation to implement the law is adopted."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/heres-what-floridas-proposed-anti-dei-regulations-would-ban
Arizona Faculty Threatened After Online Commotion Over Gender Teaching
College of Nursing employees were called "groomers" and received threats in response to Libs of TikTok's posting of two class slides. Faculty members are criticizing the university’s response.
October 6, 2023
"At a Faculty Senate meeting Monday, the Senate’s Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provided a report denouncing the original university statement, saying it 'did not affirm the right and responsibility of faculty to teach principles of evidence-based care to nursing students, including care for LGBTQ+ people, or express support for the faculty members involved.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2023/10/06/libs-tiktok-post-targeted-arizona-gender-related
Former Northwestern Coach Sues for Wrongful Termination
October 6, 2023
"Pat Fitzgerald, the Northwestern University football coach who was suspended and later fired following allegations of hazing on the football team, is suing the university for wrongful termination, the Associated Press reported Thursday. Fitzgerald, who had been the Wildcats’ head coach for 17 years, is seeking $130 million, as well as an unspecified amount for emotional distress and punitive damages."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/10/06/former-northwestern-coach-sues-wrongful-termination
and
October 5, 2023
Ex-Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald seeking $130 million in wrongful termination lawsuit
Fitzgerald was fired in July amid widespread allegations of hazing within the football program
See:
Homophobia at its worst in Northwestern football hazing allegations; Pat Fitzgerald fired
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald denied any knowledge of forced male-to-male sex acts being the alleged dominant hazing rituals occurring in Northwestern football.
July 10, 2023
"The hazing incidents reported at Northwestern all have a common theme: Forced male-to-male sexual acts intended to humiliate players who made mistakes at practice or during games. It’s homophobia at its worst."
More at OutSports at www.outsports.com/homophobia/2023/7/10/23789298/northwestern-football-hazing-pat-fitzgerald-homophobia
‘Let’s Talk About Sex,’ or ‘Let’s Platform Transphobia’? Association Cancels Planned Panel
Five controversial female scholars were set to speak on sex and gender at next month’s big anthropology conference. Other academics alleged they were pushing harmful views conflicting with “settled science.”
October 4, 2023
"The association’s executive board has now canceled the panel, releasing a statement Thursday titled 'No Place For Transphobia in Anthropology.' Ramona Perez, the association’s president, explained that after the preliminary program was published online Aug. 1, showing the panelists’ names, anthropologists from multiple fields raised concern."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2023/10/04/anthropological-assoc-cancels-lets-talk-about-sex
See also:
October 4, 2023
Against Anthropology’s Newfound Scientism
Authoritarian decrees on controversial matters like the biology of sex violate the best traditions of the field.
At The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/against-anthropologys-newfound-scientism
October 5, 2023
When Academic Disagreements Become Moral Disputes
How and how not to handle sensitive, emotionally laden hot-button issues inside and outside the classroom.
At Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/2023/10/05/when-academic-disagreements-become-moral-disputes
Where Identity Politics Actually Comes From
Nationalism, not postmodernism, is the fount of today's politics of recognition.
October 3, 2023
"Far from being the spawn of postmodernism, identity politics dates back over a century and half earlier, to the cultural shifts that created the modern world. As the philosopher Charles Taylor has shown in a wide range of books and essays, identity politics is rooted in a fusion of Romanticism’s ethic of authenticity and the Enlightenment notion of popular sovereignty. The goal of identity politics is what Taylor famously dubbed 'recognition.' Although it is not popular to say it, the oldest form of such politics is not based in race, gender, or sexual orientation, but rather in nationalism."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/where-identity-politics-actually-comes-from
Campus Free Speech Survey Rife With Contradictions
The public doesn’t want administrators interfering with campus speech. But they also think professors should be prevented from saying offensive things or inviting controversial speakers.
October 3, 2023
"new survey on the public’s views of free expression on college campuses emphasizes the complexity of the issue, experts say."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2023/10/03/new-free-speech-survey-highlights-complexity-issue
LGBTQ students targeted by “street preachers”
October 2, 2023
"A group of religiously motivated individuals gathered around the Cook Carillon Tower at Grand Valley State University to preach to people passing by about Christian salvation, specifically targeting LGBTQ and anti-abortion issues on Friday, Sept. 21. A crowd of students gathered around the group, responding to the 'street preachers' with shouts and homemade signs and pride flags showing their support for the communities under fire."
More at Grand Valley Lanthorn at https://lanthorn.com/99944/news/lgbtq-students-targeted-by-street-preachers/
Segregation or Student Support?
October 2, 2023
"Colleges worried about losing state aid are pre-emptively scaling back efforts to place students together based on race, ethnicity, and sexuality."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/segregation-or-student-support
New College of Florida settles disability complaint with Education Department
The public institution said noncompliant aspects of its web presence stemmed from “years of inattentiveness.”
October 2, 2023
"The college is facing another complaint that it repeatedly discriminated against protected groups, like LGBTQ students. OCR has not publicly announced if it opened an investigation into the accusation. The complaint states one of the new trustees openly mocked a transgender employee and students."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/new-college-settles-ocr-disability-investigation/695242/
See also:
September 29, 2023
New College of Florida enters agreement with US Department of Education over alleged civil rights violation
At CNN at www.cnn.com/2023/09/29/us/new-college-florida-us-department-of-education-agreement/index.html
October 02, 2023
New College of Florida Reaches Agreement on Alleged Civil Rights Violations
At Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/10/02/new-college-florida-and-ed-department-reach-agreement
Background:
September 9, 2023
After conservative overhaul, New College of Florida faces federal civil rights investigation
at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/09/09/new-college-of-florida-under-investigation-after-desantis-overhaul/70807740007/
Judge Dismisses UT Austin Professor’s Bias Suit Against Texas A&M
October 2, 2023
"SB 17, which takes effect in January, will ban race- and gender-based affirmative action in institutions’ hiring as well as 'trainings, programs or activities designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.' Texas A&M argued that makes Lowery’s case moot, and Eskridge agreed."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/10/02/judge-dismisses-white-ut-austin-professors-bias-suit-against-am
‘Cancel Culture’ or Fundraising Gone Awry?
A Republican former congressman helped raise nearly $1 million to fund a center in his name at California Lutheran University. Now he’s suing the institution, and donors want refunds.
October 2, 2023
"Soon after the board approved the project, students launched an online petition calling for a delay in building the center, in part because it 'serves as a monument to Mr. Gallegly’s service, one in which he targeted the identities shared by many of our students, people of color, particularly Hispanics, the LGBTQ community, and immigrants to this country.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/business/fundraising/2023/10/02/cancel-culture-or-fundraising-gone-awry-calif-lutheran
Clemson Removes Menstrual Products From Men’s Restrooms
To support transgender men, a number of colleges put period products in men’s bathrooms. Now Clemson, in an apparent nod to political pressure, has eliminated them.
September 29, 2023
"Less than a year after Clemson University first installed free period-product dispensers in all the restrooms—men’s, women’s and gender-neutral family facilities—in the R. M. Cooper Library, the institution has quietly removed them from the men’s restrooms."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/physical-mental-health/2023/09/29/clemson-university-removes-tampons-pads-mens
A Speech About Free Speech Is Shouted Down
Robert George, an advocate for allowing diverse views on campuses, was interrupted by students protesting his stances on LGBTQ+ individuals.
September 27, 2023
"As a founder of the National Organization for Marriage, he was among the nation’s most high-profile opponents of same-sex marriage. He has also opposed abortion access and criticized the concept of someone being transgender."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2023/09/27/robert-georges-speech-about-free-speech-shouted-down
See also:
September 25, 2023
A Professor Spoke About ‘Campus Illiberalism.’ Students Shouted Him Down Over His Anti-LGBTQ Views.
"Some students who disagreed with George’s views on LGBTQ rights and abortion disrupted the speech. The event — at Washington College, a small liberal-arts institution in Maryland — ended early."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/a-professor-spoke-about-campus-illiberalism-students-shouted-him-down-over-his-anti-lgbtq-views
Federal Judge Upholds Texas University Drag Show Ban
September 25, 2023
"Kacsmaryk wrote in his decision that drag shows are 'sexualized content' and therefore can be more regulated than other forms of speech."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/25/federal-judge-upholds-west-texas-am-university-drag-show-ban
Texas A&M system offers DEI ban guidance
A Q&A for faculty and staff provides a look at how public colleges are carrying out a state law barring diversity, equity and inclusion programming.
September 19, 2023
"Offices that focus on African American, Hispanic or LGBTQ students likely violate the law, it advised. However, while LGBTQ offices need to be restructured, programs supporting gay, transgender and queer students can 'be incorporated into a broader student success and multicultural framework,' the system said."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/texas-am-general-counsel--dei-ban-guidance/693993/
U.S. Won’t Ask Transgender Question on New FAFSA
September 19, 2023
"The Education Department is no longer planning to ask students whether they are transgender on the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is supposed to launch later this year, according to a notice in the Federal Register."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/19/education-department-wont-ask-transgender-question-new-fafsa
Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies Make Higher Ed Less Safe
As anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-DEI legislation proliferates, colleges can no longer rely on old strategies to support students, Margaux Cowden writes.
September 18, 2023
"Now, with waves of legislation attacking LGBTQ+ rights, education access for students of color and equity and inclusion initiatives, universities can no longer rely on old strategies for supporting students from historically excluded communities. Supporting LGBTQ+ students is particularly difficult when state legislatures are preventing university leaders from identifying and addressing LGBTQ+ students’ needs. The challenge is exacerbated by limited data about LGBTQ+ students’ academic outcomes."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2023/09/18/anti-lgbtq-policies-make-higher-ed-less-safe-opinion
Billions pour into Education Department as student loans restart
September 18, 2023
"BIDEN ADMIN DROPS TRANSGENDER QUESTION FOR NEW FAFSA: The Education Department said in a regulatory notice posted on Friday that it no longer plans to ask applicants for federal student aid whether they’re transgender on the new aid application that’s launching in the coming months."
More at Politico at www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-education/2023/09/18/billions-pour-into-education-department-as-student-loans-restart-00116477
New College Defectors Form Online Learning Platform
September 18, 2023
"The platform’s inaugural event will be a panel featuring Masha Gessen, a Russian American journalist and LGBTQ+ rights activist who currently serves as a distinguished visiting writer at Bard, and Judith Butler, a gender theorist best known for the 1990 book Gender Trouble. Other lectures currently on the docket include a four-part writing course taught by Neil Gaiman, an acclaimed English author and Bard professor, and a panel on youth civic engagement featuring activist David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Fla."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/18/new-college-florida-defectors-launch-e-learning-platform
See also:
Why Scholars Are Creating an ‘Alt New College’
September 15, 2023
The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/why-scholars-are-creating-an-alt-new-college
Cabrillo College trustees say they were targets of homophobic, transphobic attacks amid name-change debate
September 15, 2023
"Two members of Cabrillo College’s governing board say they’ve experienced homophobic and transphobic incidents as a result of their support for changing the name of the college."
More at Lookout Santa Cruz at https://lookout.co/santacruz/education/higher-ed/cabrillo-college/story/2023-09-15/cabrillo-college-name-change-trustees-adam-spickler-steve-trujillo-say-they-experienced-homophobic-transphobic-incidents
2 Universities Halt Treatment for Trans Youths
A Missouri law limits gender-affirming care for minors, but two institutions have gone beyond the bounds of the legislation and will also stop treating existing patients.
September 15, 2023
"Two university-affiliated hospitals in Missouri have stopped providing certain forms of gender-affirming care for transgender children, including current patients, exceeding the requirements of a new law that restricts such care for trans youths and some adults."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/sex-gender/2023/09/15/two-missouri-universities-halt-treatments-trans-youths
Newsom signs bill ending California travel ban to states with anti-LGBTQ laws
September 14, 2023
"A California law banning publicly funded travel to states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ people is no longer active under legislation signed Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom."
More at The Hill at https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4204337-newsom-signs-bill-ending-california-travel-ban-to-states-with-anti-lgbtq-laws/
Colorado College Encourages Students to Transfer From States With Anti-DEI Laws
September 14, 2023
"Officials expect the program to be small, serving 10 or so students who feel uncomfortable at institutions that are retooling or eliminating resources for specific identity groups, like Black and LGBTQ students."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/colorado-college-encourages-students-to-transfer-from-states-with-anti-dei-laws
See also:
Colorado College Encourages Students to Transfer From States With Anti-DEI Laws
September 15, 2023
at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/15/colorado-college-welcome-transfers-anti-dei-states
Federalist Society Panel Mulls Legal Challenge to Biden’s Title IX Proposals
September 14, 2023
"Braceras said the Education Department doesn’t have the power to rewrite the Title IX statute, which prohibits sex discrimination at federally funded colleges, universities and schools. The Biden administration said in 2021 that Title IX protects students from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/14/federalist-society-panel-mulls-legality-bidens-education-policies
Mark Satta, Wayne State University – First Amendment Violations in Anti-Drag Laws
September 14, 2023
"There’s a lot of hubbub around the First Amendment in the news."
More at "Academic Minute" at https://academicminute.org/2023/09/mark-satta-wayne-state-university-first-amendment-violations-in-anti-drag-laws/
See also:
First Amendment Violations in Anti-Drag Laws
There’s a lot of hubbub around the First Amendment in the news. In today’s Academic Minute, Wayne State University’s Mark Satta examines this in the context of anti-drag laws.
"There’s a lot of hubbub around the First Amendment in the news. In today’s Academic Minute, Wayne State University’s Mark Satta examines this in the context of anti-drag laws."
Inside Higher Ed at https://www.insidehighered.com/podcasts/academic-minute/2023/09/13/first-amendment-violations-anti-drag-laws
Oberlin Coach Says She Was ‘Burned at the Stake’
Kim Russell, the former women’s lacrosse coach, was reassigned to a new position more than a year after commenting on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports.
September 14, 2023
"The head women’s lacrosse coach at Oberlin College in Ohio was removed from her position this week, more than a year and half after she posted her personal views on social media criticizing the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/sex-gender/2023/09/14/oberlin-coach-says-she-was-burned-stake
Yascha Mounk: Identity-focused campus culture is new threat to democracy
Barack Obama’s favourite political thinker Yascha Mounk has made his career attacking right-wing populism. His latest target – identity politics fostered on US campuses – will surprise many of his acolytes, he tells Matthew Reisz
September 14, 2023
"'So the only way to build a better society is to explicitly build politics around groups in such a way that how you’re treated depends on your ethnic, religious and sexual identity.' On the contrary: universalist liberal values remain 'the best guide to building a better future', according to The Identity Trap, 'especially if we recognize that these ideals are yet to be fully realized'."
More at Times Higher Education at www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/yascha-mounk-identity-focused-campus-culture-new-threat-democracy
Students Press Biden Administration to Finalize New Title IX Rules
A delay in issuing the regulations likely means that Trump-era rules will stay in place for another academic year.
September 12, 2023
"The proposed rules also expand protections for LGBTQ+ students and make it easier for victims to report sexual harassment by lowering the standard from unwelcome conduct that’s 'severe, pervasive and objectively offensive' to conduct that’s 'sufficiently severe or pervasive.' Davis and other advocates say that the current sexual harassment standard is nearly impossible to meet."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/2023/09/12/new-title-ix-rules-likely-delayed-students-push-other-solutions
Protesters silence renowned speaker at Washington College
September 10, 2023
"The protesters came into Hynson Lounge, waving flags and signs symbolizing LGBT pride, about halfway through George’s lecture. They wouldn’t stand down until it was canceled."
More at The Star Democrat at www.stardem.com/news/local_news/protesters-silence-renowned-speaker-at-washington-college/article_997b9cfa-4f4b-11ee-902b-573058135ae8.html
‘There Was Definitely a Thumb on the Scale to Get Boys’
Declining male enrollment has led many colleges to adopt an unofficial policy: affirmative action for men.
September 8, 2023
"Conservatives have also steadily been devaluing higher education in ways that might be more salient for men; the critique that liberal-arts colleges are pushing 'gender ideology' on students positions those institutions as threatening to traditional conceptions of masculinity."
More at The New York Times Magazine at www.nytimes.com/2023/09/08/magazine/men-college-enrollment.html
Is the political climate in southern states driving a faculty exodus?
One-third of faculty in Florida, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina said they would pursue out-of-state jobs in the coming year, AAUP found.
September 8, 2023
"Political interference in higher education and changes to tenure are significantly affecting faculty morale and retention in a handful of southern states, new survey findings from the American Association of University Professors suggest."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/aaup-two-thirds-of-southern-faculty-would-not-recommend-their-state/693042/
See also:
In These Red States, Professors Are Eyeing the Exits
September 7, 2023
"More than 4,200 faculty members across the four states filled out the survey, the results of which were released on Thursday. Salary and the local political climate were the top reasons cited for seeking another job, with concerns about academic freedom, tenure, and DEI work also topping the list. About 30 percent of respondents said they worried about shared governance, LGBTQ+ issues, and reproductive-health and abortion access."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/in-these-red-states-professors-are-eyeing-the-exits
New laws in Florida and elsewhere are pushing faculty to leave, survey says
September 7, 2023
"The respondents listed various reasons for wanting to leave in addition to the overall political climate in their states. Seventy-one percent cited academic freedom concerns. Sixty-eight percent mentioned their pay. And 58% identified tenure, the targeting of diversity initiatives and/or LGBTQ+ issues."
More at Open Campus at www.opencampusmedia.org/2023/09/07/new-laws-in-florida-and-elsewhere-are-pushing-faculty-to-leave-survey-says/
Students protest anti-LGBTQ+ violence
September 8, 2023
"Students met in Gullen Mall [at Wayne State University] Thursday evening to protest anti-LGBTQ+ violence and commemorate the lives lost to it."
More at The South End at www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_245f1a06-4df6-11ee-b7ff-17c0e32da197.html
House Dems Question Baylor’s Title IX Exemption
September 7, 2023
"The Education Department affirmed that Baylor is exempt from Title IX provisions relating to the harassment of LGBTQ+ students in a letter that became public last month—a move that one advocacy group said was a first for the department and could endanger queer students at the university."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/07/house-dems-question-baylors-title-ix-exemption
How Ben Sasse Became a Combatant in Florida’s Education Wars
As Ron DeSantis has turned public education into a political battleground, his state’s flagship university, now led by the former G.O.P. senator from Nebraska, has not remained neutral territory.
September 7, 2023
"In May, Sasse met over Zoom with a committee, set up by a predecessor, that advises the president on L.G.B.T.Q. concerns. Oliver Grundmann, a professor in the College of Pharmacy, told me that members of the campus community were worried because of the positions Sasse took in the past. When the subject of having at least one gender-neutral bathroom in each campus building came up, Sasse said he would look into it but that modifications could be difficult in some of the older buildings. 'Our perception was that he paid attention,' Grundmann says. 'He thanked us and said he appreciated our comments. It would be nice to receive an open letter of support and some fighting words, but the reality is on the other side.'"
More at The New York Times at www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/magazine/ben-sasse-university-florida.html
Who Wants to Lead a Presidential Search in Florida?
Political issues have derailed recent executive searches in the state, leaving some firms carefully weighing which searches to take on.
September 7, 2023
"When Rodrigues halted the search, he took issue with the university search committee for conducting a straw poll to identify the top candidates. He also criticized the firm that led the search for administering a voluntary survey that asked candidates about their views on sexual orientation and gender identity."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2023/09/07/who-wants-lead-presidential-search-florida
See also:
AGB Head Resigns Over Plagiarism Flap: Henry Stoever is out as president and CEO of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges following allegations of plagiarism in a column.
September 12, 2023
"On Friday the Florida Board of Governors voted to ask the state attorney general to weigh in on the legality of the survey, which was sent to FAU applicants and asked questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as other demographic details."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/executive-leadership/2023/09/12/agb-head-resigns-over-plagiarism-flap
And:
Florida AG Asked to Weigh In on Presidential Search
September 11, 2023
At Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/09/11/florida-ag-asked-weigh-presidential-search
Today’s DEI Is Obsessed With Power and Privilege
It's time to overturn the Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi model.
September 6, 2023
Diversity work can be about creating spaces for people from the broadest possible range of identities and belief systems to constructively encounter one another. Civilization is defined by living and talking together. And campuses should model that."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/todays-dei-is-obsessed-with-power-and-privilege
Pitt no longer requiring College Republicans to pay for security fees following Knowles event
September 6, 2023
"The debate, which took place on April 18 at the O’Hara Student Center, received pushback from many students on campus who raised concerns about the safety of transgender and queer students on campus given the subject matter being about 'transgenderism and womanhood.' Prior to the event more than 11,000 people signed a petition urging the University to cancel the debate and during the event more than 250 people protested outside. A husband and wife were also charged with three indictments for dropping two smoke bombs and a firework at the April 18 protest."
More at The Pitt News at https://pittnews.com/article/182093/news/pitt-no-longer-requiring-college-republicans-to-pay-for-security-fees-following-knowles-event/amp/
Behind the lines of Texas A&M’s diversity war
A controversy over a Black professor’s hire inflamed campus tensions. A DEI ban could escalate the conflict.
September 6, 2023
"The closure of campus DEI offices in the state, a central feature of the measure, is already underway. At least one school has also shuttered an LGBTQ resource center."
More at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/09/05/texas-am-university-diversity-sb17/
A New Home for New College of Florida Émigrés
When conservative leaders took over Florida’s only public liberal arts institution, Hampshire College officials knew they had to help. Now they’re welcoming the first cohort of New College defectors.
September 5, 2023
"Where New College, under the leadership of interim president Richard Corcoran, plans to introduce a core curriculum for all students, Hampshire has no majors or general education requirements. Where New College eliminated its diversity, equity and inclusion office, Hampshire considers the question of how to 'disrupt and dismantle white supremacy' as core to its educational mission. Where Florida is home to some of the nation’s strictest anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including bathroom bills that disallow trans people on college campuses from using the facilities that align with their gender identity, the bathrooms on Hampshire’s campus are all gender neutral."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2023/09/05/new-college-florida-defectors-find-warm-welcome-north
Final Title IX rules likely to be pushed beyond October
The Education Department hasn’t even sent its regulatory plans to the Office of Management and Budget, which can take up to 120 days to review them.
August 31, 2023
"Texas, for instance, passed a law this year that bans transgender athletes at the state’s public colleges from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity, setting up a clash with the Biden administration’s Title IX proposed rule on transgender rights."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/final-title-ix-rules-likely-to-be-pushed-beyond-october/692378/
Florida, Texas Colleges Removed From Campus Pride List
August 30, 2023
"The nonprofit Campus Pride excluded four public colleges in Florida and Texas from this year’s list of the most LGBTQ+-friendly campuses due to new anti-LGBTQ+ state laws."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/30/florida-and-texas-colleges-removed-lgbtq-friendly-list
Jordan Peterson Must Take Course in Professionalism
August 30, 2023
“'Since at least 2018, the college has received complaints about Dr. Peterson’s public statements,' the ruling said... '[Complaints] often involved Dr. Peterson’s views on topics of social and political interest, including transgender questions, racism, overpopulation and the response to COVID-19.'”
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/30/jordan-petersons-comments-led-now-upheld-coaching-order
Laura Favaro: gender studies ‘groupthink is forcing scholars out’
Researcher who revealed censorship of gender critical feminists says no-debate policies on transgender issues are causing ‘scholarly paralysis’
August 30, 2023
"A sociologist who is suing City, University of London for unfair dismissal, claiming that she was forced out for highlighting how gender critical feminists have been censored, has criticised a climate of 'compliance, groupthink and scholarly mediocrity' in UK gender studies."
More at Times Higher Education at www.timeshighereducation.com/news/laura-favaro-gender-studies-groupthink-forcing-scholars-out
University Says It Won’t Charge for Textbooks. Professors Ask How.
West Texas A&M's Faculty Senate voted no confidence in its president last spring, partly for his talk of a “textbook-free” campus. Now he's doubling down.
August 29, 2023
"In April, the West Texas Faculty Senate voted 179 to 82 to express its lack of confidence in Wendler’s leadership. The no-confidence resolution cited the president’s decision to bar a drag show from campus. He said drag shows 'stereotype women in cartoon-like extremes for the amusement of others and discriminate against womanhood.' An LGBTQ+ student group, represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, sued him; the lawsuit is ongoing."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/academic-freedom/2023/08/29/west-texas-am-says-it-wont-charge-textbooks-next
Queer Michigan College Students Consider Safety On and Off Campus As New Year Kicks Off
Local campuses offer respite from national anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, legal fights
August 25, 2023
"At a time when state legislatures across the country have been presenting hundreds of bills attacking LGBTQ+ rights, Michigan has gone in the opposite direction since the 2022 midterms. A whopping 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country just this year, according to Human Rights Watch. Michigan, meanwhile, has passed a modification of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which extends anti-discrimination protections to queer Michiganders."
More at Pride Source at https://pridesource.com/article/queer-michigan-college-students-consider-safety-on-and-off-campus-as-new-year-kicks-off
New College Launches ‘Odyssey’ Course Days Before Fall Semester
August 25, 2023
"The college, which struggled leading up to the fall semester with the loss of dozens of professors and a last-minute scramble to find housing for students, also faced backlash this week for making student orientation leaders remove LGBTQ+ pride and Black Lives Matter pins, The Sarasota Herald Tribune reported."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/25/new-college-florida-scrambles-fill-new-odyssey-course
See also:
Students, professors report chaos as semester begins at New College of Florida
August 27, 2023
"Some students told CNN they chose to attend New College for its progressive values and because the school offered an environment where LGBTQ+ students could freely express themselves."
More at CNN.com at www.cnn.com/2023/08/26/us/new-college-of-florida-chaos-reaj/index.html
U of Houston Closes LGBTQ+ and DEI Centers
August 24, 2023
"The University of Houston will officially shutter its Center for Diversity and Inclusion and its LGBTQ Resource Center at the end of the month, The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday, in an effort to comply with a new anti-DEI law. It is one of the first universities to shutter an LGBTQ+ student center in response to such legislation."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/24/u-houston-closes-lgbtq-and-dei-centers
Florida's Board of Education is forcing state colleges to fire employees who don't use bathrooms of their assigned sex at birth
August 23, 2023
"The Florida State Board of Education voted to approve a new rule on Wednesday that features hefty consequences for state college employees who use bathrooms not of their assigned sex at birth, forcing colleges to fire employees after two incidents."
More at Business Insider at www.businessinsider.com/florida-doe-colleges-fire-employees-not-using-assigned-sex-bathrooms-2023-8
See also:
Florida state colleges must fire repeat violators of anti-trans bathroom law, board votes
The state’s education board passed rules Wednesday mandating workers be fired if they twice use bathrooms that don’t align with their sex at birth.
August 23, 2023
"The regulations stem from a bill the Florida Legislature passed in May that largely bars people from using bathrooms at colleges, schools, correctional facilities and public buildings that don’t align with their sex at birth. The law tasked Florida’s education board with crafting disciplinary procedures for employees who violate the statute."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/florida-state-colleges-fire-employees-bathroom-bill/691697/
Florida College System Must Fire Employees Who Defy Bathroom Ban
August 24, 2023
"The Florida State Board of Education approved a new rule Wednesday detailing the disciplinary action colleges must take for employees who don’t use the bathroom corresponding to the sex they were assigned at birth, Business Insider reported."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/24/florida-college-system-fire-employees-who-defy-bathroom-ban
Dean Who Defended Free Speech Is Named Provost of Stanford U.
August 23, 2023
"But during his talk, Duncan was interrupted by student protesters, who called his judicial record anti-LGBTQ and who condemned his support for banning same-sex marriage and for preventing transgender people from using their preferred bathrooms."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/dean-who-defended-free-speech-is-named-provost-of-stanford-u
2 Catholic Colleges Add Nonbinary Policy
The College of St. Benedict for women and St. John’s University for men added a new policy explicitly allowing nonbinary students to attend either campus, cementing their support for LGBTQ+ rights.
August 22, 2023
"A pair of Catholic institutions in Minnesota—the College of St. Benedict, a women’s college, and St. John’s University, a men’s college—instituted a new admissions policy over the summer that will allow students who identify as nonbinary to attend either college, regardless of the gender they were assigned at birth."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/residential-life/2023/08/22/catholic-colleges-minnesota-accept-nonbinary-students
Will new state definitions of ‘sex’ exclude transgender students?
Four states have enacted laws this year limiting the definition of “sex” to “male” or “female,” setting up potential Title IX disputes.
August 21, 2023
"Four states — Montana, North Dakota, Kansas and Tennessee — this year enacted laws limiting the definition of 'sex' to a permanent category of 'male' or 'female,' potentially excluding transgender people from equal access to public life, according to an August report released by the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks anti-LGBTQ measures."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/state-laws-defining-sex-exclude-transgender-students-Title-IX/691308/
New College: Gender Studies Prof. Resigns, More Students to Live in Hotels
August 18, 2023
"He also condemned interim president Richard Corcoran, to whom the letter is addressed, and other trustees for their involvement in cultivating the state’s growing anti-LGBTQ+ culture and legislation, which he said made it impossible for him to live in the state as a transgender man."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/18/resignations-and-hotels-chaos-continues-new-college
SUNY Fredonia Fights to Keep Controversial Professor Off Campus
The tenured professor was barred from campus after his contentious comments on pedophilia prompted public outrage. He filed suit arguing that his First Amendment Rights were violated.
North Carolina restricts transgender college athletes in veto override
A Republican supermajority voted to prohibit transgender women and girls from competing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity.
August 17, 2023
"North Carolina’s Legislature on Wednesday overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a law limiting transgender athletes’ participation in higher education and K-12 sports."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/north-carolina-restricts-transgender-athletes-college-sports/691214/
U.S. appeals court blocks Idaho’s transgender student athlete ban
The measure barred trans women and girls of all ages from participating in female sports teams at public schools in the state, from primary school through college.
August 17, 2023
"A federal appeals court on Thursday refused to allow Idaho to enforce a first-in-the-nation ban on transgender women and girls from participating in female sports leagues, saying the measure likely was unconstitutional."
More at NBC News at www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/us-appeals-court-blocks-idahos-transgender-student-athlete-ban-rcna100517
Christian university granted waiver in sexual harassment case
First-ever federal exemption under 1972 anti-discrimination law clears path for Baylor University to escape sanctions from students claiming abuse
August 14, 2023
"Those bringing complaints in the case include Veronica Bonifacio Penales, an LGBTQ+ student who graduated in May from Baylor and said she endured fellow students repeatedly posting stickers on her dormitory room door that featured homophobic slurs."
More at Times Higher Education at www.timeshighereducation.com/news/christian-university-granted-waiver-sexual-harassment-case
Education Dept. Exempts Baylor From Protecting Gay Students From Harassment—or Did It?
Biden administration says Baptist university may be exempt from addressing sexual harassment claims involving students based on their LGBTQ+ status – if it can show conflict with its religious tenets.
August 11, 2023
"The Biden administration has told Baylor University that it may be exempt from federal rules relating to the harassment of students based on their LGBTQ+ status, if it can show that doing so conflicts with its religious tenets. But the Education Department has not yet granted Baylor's request to dismiss complaints to the department from LGBTQ+ students that prompted the university to seek the exemption."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/2023/08/11/baylor-exempt-title-ix-requirements-lgbtq-sexual-harassment
New College trustees take steps to dismantle gender studies program
A trustee chosen by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a motion to explore ending the program, starting with 2024 enrollees.
August 11, 2023
"The New College of Florida’s trustees voted 7-3 Thursday to take the first steps toward eliminating the institution’s gender studies program."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/new-college-trustees-move-dismantle-gender-studies/690696/
New College of Florida’s Board Starts to Dismantle Gender-Studies Program
August 10, 2023
"Amy Reid, director of the gender-studies program, is also the faculty representative on the board. Clearly frustrated but composed, Reid read from a prepared statement praising the contributions of the program, such as a popular introductory course and a brown-bag series, and admonishing the 'ongoing attacks' against it by 'current and past members of this board.'"
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/new-college-of-floridas-board-starts-to-dismantle-gender-studies-program
Florida schools drop AP Psychology after state says it violates the law
August 9, 2023
"Large school districts across Florida are dropping plans to offer Advanced Placement psychology, heeding a warning from state officials that the course’s discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity violates state law."
More at The Washington Post at www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/09/florida-schools-drop-ap-psychology-class/
See also:
August 7, 2023
Florida Appears to Reverse ‘Ban’ on AP Psychology
"Florida high school students may be able to take AP Psychology this coming fall after all. The state’s education commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., released a statement Friday saying the Advanced Placement course can be taught 'in its entirety in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate,' reversing a prior decision by the Education Department that banned the course from including any lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/07/florida-appears-reverse-ban-ap-psychology-course
August 4, 2023
AP Psych Course ‘Effectively Banned’ in Florida: The state’s decision to bar the inclusion of lessons on gender identity and sexuality prompts the College Board to withdraw recognition of the course.
"The College Board, which operates the Advanced Placement program, announced Thursday that it will not recognize AP Psychology courses taught in Florida public high schools because the state Department of Education is requiring that psychology courses omit lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/diversity/sex-gender/2023/08/04/college-board-wont-recognize-ap-psych-courses-florida
August 3, 2023; updated August 7, 2023
Florida ed commissioner says AP Psychology can be taught after all
College Board said last week the course was effectively banned due to the state’s regulations on sexual orientation and gender identity in curricula.
"The College Board said Thursday that Florida will not permit schools to teach sections on sexual orientation and gender identity, coursework the nonprofit describes as foundational."
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/ap-psychology-cannot-be-taught-under-florida-law-college-board/689952/
Florida’s LGBTQ+ College Students Face a Tough Choice: Stay or Go?
One in eight high schoolers living in the state wants to leave for bluer pastures. But for LGBTQ+ students, the decision is a little more complicated.
August 8, 2023
"Florida’s hostile history regarding LGBTQ+ rights didn’t begin with DeSantis’s election in 2018. The state was home to the Johns Committee, which investigated and interrogated LGBTQ+ people—particularly university faculty and students—during the 1950s and ’60s. In the 1970s, pageant queen turned activist Anita Bryant famously crusaded against gay rights in the state. And the second most deadly mass shooting in American history took place in 2016 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2023/08/08/floridas-lgbtq-college-students-debate-whether-stay-or-go
Multnomah Welcomes ‘Not Yet Believers’
The university ended a requirement that all students sign faith statements. Other Christian campuses are also taking measures to broaden their reach.
August 8, 2023
"Coley, who has written extensively on LGBTQ-related activism and policies on Christian campuses, said many Christian institutions no longer require students to sign faith statements and are taking further steps to embrace a broader swath of students. For example, the majority of these institutions now have antidiscrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity. Other research he’s done also found that some Christian colleges and universities now have student groups for students from other faith backgrounds."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/religious-colleges/2023/08/08/multnomah-drops-faith-statement-requirement
After singer David Daniels' guilty plea, the victim speaks out
August 7, 2023
"Schultz was perhaps the most public accuser against Daniels, but not the only one. In 2020, the singer was fired by the University of Michigan from his tenured position following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. A lawsuit between former UM student Andrew Lipian and the university, in which Lipian accused Daniels of sexually harassing and assaulting him, was settled in May."
More at NPR at www.npr.org/2023/08/07/1192493781/opera-singer-david-daniels-guilty-plea-victim-speaks
Delta State president affirms inclusivity but says interim band director who mocked trans people will keep his job, emails show
August 4, 2023
"The new president of Delta State University, Daniel Ennis, wrote in a campus-wide email Thursday that Steven Hugley, the recently hired interim band director who mocked women and trans people on his now-deleted podcast, will remain in his position."
More at Mississippi Today at https://mississippitoday.org/2023/08/04/delta-state-president-says-controversial-band-director-will-stay/
Colleges are offering gender-inclusive housing. But queer students say the programs aren't perfect.
August 3, 2023
"While nearly 500 colleges and universities offer these programs, according to LGBTQ+ advocacy group Campus Pride, some of these housing programs are cost-prohibitive or limited in accessibility."
More at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/03/gender-inclusive-housing-college-campuses-queer-students-experiences/70483424007/
Northwestern taps ex-US attorney general Loretta Lynch to investigate athletics
The news comes as more former football players come forward with hazing allegations in lawsuits against the university.
August 2, 2023
"The announcement Tuesday comes as lawsuits mount accusing Northwestern officials and players of creating a culture that allowed hazing, sexual abuse and racism to flourish. Just this week, at least three former Northwestern football players have taken to the courts to make hazing allegations against the university. "
More at Higher Ed Dive at www.highereddive.com/news/northwestern-loretta-lynch-hazing-lawsuits/689803/
See also:
August 3, 2023
Northwestern Faces 10th Hazing Lawsuit
"Since a culture of hazing in Northwestern University’s athletics department came to light in early July, 10 students have sued the university over sexual and racial abuse they say they experienced as student athletes."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/03/hazing-lawsuits-mount-northwestern-hires-investigator
July 24, 2023
Northwestern Football Scandal Shines Spotlight on Hazing: An investigation uncovered a culture of sexualized hazing on the university’s football team. Experts believe it may prompt a broader reckoning among colleges that have long grappled with the problem.
"Northwestern University has fired two coaches and faces at least three lawsuits over allegations of hazing, bullying and harassment within the athletics department."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2023/07/24/will-northwestern-hazing-scandal-spark-broader-reckoning
July 26, 2023
At Northwestern, Leaders Scramble to Contain Crisis Over Hazing Allegations
"Several football players have filed lawsuits against the university alleging hazing that involved nudity, sexualized acts, and forced participation."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at www.chronicle.com/article/at-northwestern-leaders-scramble-to-contain-crisis-over-hazing-allegations
July 24, 2023
New lawsuit provides most detailed account to date of alleged Northwestern football hazing: Lawsuit filed by Ben Crump on behalf of Lloyd Yates is the fourth known complaint filed against Northwestern over alleged hazing but the first with a named plaintiff.
"According to the lawsuit, assistant coaches were 'ran' by players 'on more than one occasion.' The complaint defines 'running' as incidents in which a group of players forcibly held down a nonconsenting individual and '[rubbed] their genital areas against the [person's] genitals, face, and buttocks while rocking back and forth.'"
More at USA Today at www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2023/07/24/northwestern-football-hazing-lloyd-yates-lawsuit-details-ben-crump/70454975007/
Former Northwestern University athletes allege ‘toxic culture’ of hazing and sexual assault in the athletic department, attorneys say
July 20, 2023
"Attorneys representing at least 15 former Northwestern University student athletes announced plans Wednesday to sue the university over allegations that its athletics department fostered a 'toxic culture' that facilitated harassment and sexual abuse."
More at CNN at www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/us/northwestern-university-hazing-athletics-allegations/index.html
New Common App Launches, With Changes
August 1, 2023
"This year’s Common App will also include a new gender identity option for applicants, who can now select 'X' in addition to 'male' or 'female' Steele said, building on new gender-inclusive policies introduced last year."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/08/01/common-app-launches-new-gender-race-options
President Quits Weeks After Controversy Over Twitter Likes
July 24, 2023
"In May, he apologized after coming under fire for liking tweets critical of coronavirus vaccines, gender-affirmation surgery and college diversity, equity and inclusion offices."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/24/president-quits-after-controversy-twitter
Two U-M frat houses vandalized with homophobic, antisemitic messages
July 21, 2023
"Two off-campus University of Michigan fraternity houses were vandalized with homophobic and antisemitic symbols. The Ann Arbor Police Department believes the event occurred sometime on the evening of July 17."
More at The Michigan Daily at www.michigandaily.com/news/news-briefs/two-u-m-frat-houses-vandalized-with-hate-driven-messages/
See also:
University of Michigan president addresses ‘vile’ vandalism at 2 off-campus fraternity houses
Vandalism reported to Ann Arbor police
"The vandalism included broken windows and spray-painted messages that Ono described as 'vile, homophobic, and antisemitic.'"
Police seeks tips on hate-motivated vandalism at off-campus UM fraternity houses
July 22, 2023
"The Ann Arbor Police Department is seeking tips about what it calls 'hate motivated' vandalism at two off-campus fraternity houses."
More at The Detroit News at www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/22/ann-arbor-police-seeks-tips-on-hate-motivated-vandalism-at-fraternity-houses/70450822007/
U of M president condemns antisemitic vandalism at two off-campus fraternity houses
July 25, 2023
"President Santa Ono sent an email to students saying the vandalism includes broken windows and 'vile, homophobic, and anti-semitic' messages spray-painted onto both houses, including a swastika at one of the locations."
More at News 10 at www.wilx.com/2023/07/25/u-m-president-condemns-antisemitic-vandalism-two-off-campus-fraternity-houses/
In Statehouses, Tenure Was Bruised, but DEI Was Walloped
This year, Republican lawmakers in multiple states proposed bills eliminating tenure and targeting diversity, equity and inclusion. But legislatures only ended up passing significant bans on DEI.
July 21, 2023
"Across the now majority-minority state, the law will ban race- and sex-based affirmative action in institutions’ hiring as well as 'trainings, programs or activities designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.'"
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2023/07/21/statehouses-tenure-was-bruised-dei-was-walloped
‘Teaching on Eggshells’
Students Report Professors’ Offensive Comments: A recent survey shows about 75 percent of students would report professors for saying something they find offensive.
July 21, 2023
"Nearly three-quarters of all college students, regardless of their political affiliation, believe professors who make comments the students find offensive should be reported to the university, according to a new report."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2023/07/21/students-likely-report-instructors-offensive-comments
Dean at Center of Stanford Law Controversy Resigns
July 21, 2023
"Months after being at the center of a campus free speech controversy at Stanford University, Tirien Steinbach is stepping down as associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Stanford Law, according to an announcement from law school dean Jenny Martinez."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/21/dean-center-stanford-law-controversy-resigns
When Discrimination Attends Your Conference
Multiple discriminatory incidents have occurred or been reported in recent years at conferences, where panelists’ and attendees’ unscripted comments can cause controversy.
July 13, 2023
"It defines harassment to include, among other things, 'solicitation, bullying, hostility or abuse based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, institutional affiliation, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status' and other categories."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/diversity-equity/2023/07/13/conferences-attempt-prevent-respond-discrimination
Higher Ed Groups ‘Appalled’ at House Budget Cuts
House Republicans proposed cutting money for Federal Work-Study and a childcare subsidy for parents in college. Those moves have left colleges worried about the impacts. NIH also would be cut.
July 17, 2023
"The Republican plan also would prevent the department from moving forward with its debt-relief plan, which was blocked by the Supreme Court, and carrying out new regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 that would protect transgender student athletes and reverse Trump-era rules."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2023/07/17/higher-ed-groups-appalled-republicans-planned-budget
Navigating the Hidden Curriculum: Part I
Aurora Washington and Rebekah Layton advise students from historically excluded groups on the benefits of networking, mentoring up and career planning.
July 17, 2023
"The hidden curriculum can be especially opaque for many marginalized groups. JP Flores is a graduate student who has created a platform where first-generation students or scholars from historically underrepresented groups share their experiences with the hidden curriculum, 'From Where Does It STEM.' As he said in his podcast, 'studying STEM can be daunting, difficult and inaccessible—especially to students in marginalized, underrepresented communities with first-generation, low-income, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC identities.' So we urge you to reach out for help as soon as possible."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/carpe-careers/2023/07/17/career-networking-tips-marginalized-grad-students
House Republicans Plan to Cut Education Department’s Budget
July 14, 2023
"The Republican proposal would prevent the department from moving forward with its debt-relief plan, which was blocked by the Supreme Court, and carrying out new regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 that would protect transgender student athletes and reverse Trump-era rules, among other provisions."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/14/house-republicans-plan-cut-education-departments-budget
The University as Truthteller
The University of Tulsa's Switchyard Festival makes a mockery of censorship.
July 13, 2023
"The festival’s second night featured a keynote address by Maia Kobabe, whose comics memoir Gender Queer has been banned in Tulsa’s public schools. A disappointing, but not surprising, honor: Gender Queer is the most frequently banned book in the country, according to PEN America."
More at The Chronicle of Higher Education at
Christian College Coach Fired for Pro-LGBTQ Instagram
July 13, 2023
"A women’s soccer coach at Geneva College, a Christian institution in Pennsylvania, was fired in June for posting messages supporting the LGBTQ community on her Instagram page, Religion News Service reported."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/13/christian-college-coach-fired-pro-lgbtq-instagram
Geneva College soccer coach fired after expressing support for LGBTQ people
In early April, Kelsey Morrison posted two messages to her Instagram page: ‘Queer people offer precious gifts to the church: Don't miss out’ and ‘Jesus is radically inclusive.’
July 11, 2023
"The women’s soccer coach at a Christian university near Pittsburgh was fired last month after she posted to Instagram two messages affirming the value of queer people."
More at Religion News Service at https://religionnews.com/2023/07/11/geneva-college-soccer-coach-fired-after-expressing-support-for-lgbtq-people/
Former NU football player details hazing allegations after coach suspension
July 8, 2023
"A former Northwestern University football player told The Daily some of the hazing conduct investigated by the university involved coerced sexual acts. A second player confirmed these details."
More at The Daily at https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/07/08/top-stories/former-nu-football-player-details-hazing-allegations-after-coach-suspension/
See also:
University president Michael Schill says he “may have erred” in determining Pat Fitzgerald sanction
Former NU players describe racist environment in football program
[Wayne State's Student] Senate denounces alleged transphobic comments made by BOG member, welcomes new members
July 8, 2023
"Wayne State’s Student Senate met on Thursday to elect new Members at Large and approve a statement of support for the Center for Gender and Sexuality."
More at The South End at www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_a33d366c-1d97-11ee-93bf-7b280acafe1b.html
Citing ‘hostile actions,’ education group is the latest to pull its convention from Florida
July 6, 2023
"Organizations representing Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities in Florida have issued travel advisories in recent months, citing 'open hostility' to those groups manifested in laws passed during the recent Legislative Session, as noted by Ramasubramanian in a message sent out to members last month."
More at Florida Politics at https://floridapolitics.com/archives/621986-citing-hostile-actions-education-group-is-the-latest-to-pull-its-convention-from-florida/
Are Florida laws chasing university faculty away? Some see a ‘brain drain.’
And
DeSantis reshaped Florida higher education over the last year. Here’s how.
July 6, 2023
"State Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, said she believed a variety of factors are impacting people’s decisions to leave the state, including Florida’s new abortion law and its climate toward the LGBTQ+ community."
More at Open Campus at www.opencampusmedia.org/2023/07/06/are-florida-laws-chasing-university-faculty-away-some-see-a-brain-drain/
"Also, public universities and colleges now must enforce a new state requirement that people use public restrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth, not their gender identity."
More at Open Campus at www.opencampusmedia.org/2023/07/06/desantis-reshaped-florida-higher-education-over-the-last-year-heres-how/
National Society of Black Engineers Moves Convention Out of Florida
July 6, 2023
"The organization announced the change to members Friday in an email that ended with a list of the actions Florida state lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential contender, have taken regarding race, sexual orientation, gender and guns."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/06/national-black-engineers-group-moves-convention-out-florida
Instructor Rebuked for Giving Zero on Transgender Sports Paper
July 6, 2023
"The University of Cincinnati reprimanded a faculty member after she gave a student a zero on an assignment for describing cisgender female athletes as “biological women,” The Cincinnati Enquirer reports."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/06/instructor-rebuked-giving-zero-transgender-sports-paper
Black engineers convention pulls out of Orlando for 2024
July 5, 2023
"NSBE leaders in a letter to members cited seven reasons why they’re taking next year’s conference to Georgia.
"Some include Florida law’s prohibition to teaching critical race theory, the 'Don’t Say Gay' bill, and the state’s law to prohibit state colleges from expending funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs."
More at Spectrum News 13 at www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/07/06/black-engineers-convention-pulls-out-of-orlando
Whitworth Adds Sexual Orientation as Protected Class
July 5, 2023
"The board of Whitworth University, a Christian institution in Spokane, Wash., has added sexual orientation to its list of protected classes, The Spokesman-Review reported last week."
More at Inside Higher Ed at www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/07/05/whitworth-adds-sexual-orientation-protected-class
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