The Diversity Distraction
What to know: A survey of 65 major universities found they have more DEI officers than history professors: on average, 45 DEI officers at each school.
The TPPF take: Texas can take steps to remove so-called diversity, inclusion and equity officers from Texas colleges and universities.
“Diversity, along with equity and inclusion, are deeply rooted American values that embody our founding belief that all people are guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester. “However, in the woke world of college campuses, DEI has been twisted into code for an anti-American mindset based on the belief that racism and inequality dominate every aspect of American life, including our commerce and culture and certainly the university.”
For more on DEI, click here.
Still Unconstitutional
What to know: An appeals court has denied the Biden administration’s bid to revive its student debt “forgiveness” scheme.
The TPPF take: The president’s plan is both unconstitutional and wrong.
“Biden is relying on emergency authority from the 9/11 era to justify his loan forgiveness,” says TPPF’s Andrew Gillen. “But this is raising concerns among a wide cross section of the population, including those who agree with Biden’s goals. As Elizabeth Goitein writes in the Washington Post, ‘Emergency powers are not meant to address long-standing problems, however dire.’”
For more on student loans, click here.
Lame Duck Lamentations
What to know: The outgoing Texas State Board of Education has urged the Legislature to reject efforts to empower parents to make the best educational decisions for their families.
The TPPF take: In just a few weeks, a new State Board of Education will be sworn in, and its new members understand the need for parent empowerment.
“Rejecting the voters’ clear wishes on expanding parent empowerment and ensuring that families can make the educational decisions that work best for them, the SBOE voted to further restrict charter schools and passed a resolution rejecting empowering parents with options in the upcoming legislative session,” says TPPF’s Michael Barba. “Parent empowerment includes giving parents access to the learning environment that best serves their children.”
For more on parent empowerment, click here.