Major U.S. University Abolishes Diversity Statements for Faculty Hiring and Promotion

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University of Michigan Drops Diversity Statements:** The University of Michigan has decided to discontinue the requirement of diversity statements for faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure. This move comes after an eight-member faculty working group recommended the end of the use of diversity statements, citing their potential to limit freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus. The university board is also considering dismantling the bureaucracy associated with DEI initiatives. This decision follows a nationwide trend of universities rolling back their DEI requirements.

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Albania TikTok Ban: A Year-Long Hiatus from Social Media

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Albania has decided to ban TikTok for a year, following a fatal stabbing at a school. The ban is part of the government's plan to make schools safer and promote healthier social media use among children. The decision comes after several European countries and Australia imposed restrictions on social media use for minors.

Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed TikTok for fuelling violence among youths in and outside schools. The ban is expected to come into effect early next year and will also include measures to help parents monitor their children's online activities.

Morning News Summary: Accused Ivy League Killer, DACA Students, and Taylor Swift's Invite to Caitlin Clark

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Good morning! Here's your morning news summary. An accused Ivy League killer is fighting extradition, a Marine veteran speaks out after his acquittal, and Taylor Swift has invited Caitlin Clark to a Chiefs game. In politics, a Republican is allegedly attacked on Capitol grounds, and a Florida lawmaker introduces a bill to require DACA students to pay out-of-state tuition. Meanwhile, a defense bill bans transgender surgeries for minors but boosts enlisted pay, and Al Sharpton pockets nearly $1 million in bonuses from his nonprofit. Finally, MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' continues to suffer a post-election slump.

School Choice Clash on The View: Hostin and Griffin Disagree Over Linda McMahon's Education Secretary Nomination

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The View** co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin clashed over school choice while discussing President-elect Trump's pick for education secretary, Linda McMahon. Hostin argued that voucher programs do not benefit students academically, while Griffin argued that tax dollars should follow the students if a parent wants to give their child a leg up in a school district that may be falling behind. Despite the tension, co-host Whoopi Goldberg emphasized the importance of hearing different opinions.

Texas Moves To Implement Controversial Bible-Infused Curriculum For Elementary Public Schools

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Texas is one step closer to passing a controversial Bible-infused curriculum for elementary public schools, despite concerns about religious favoritism and potential violations of the US constitution. The curriculum, called Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian lessons about Moses, the Good Samaritan, and the Golden Rule, and may be implemented as early as this week.

Trump's New Education Secretary, Migrant Mayhem, and More!

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Good morning! Here's what you need to know to start your day. Trump has tapped the former WWE CEO for education secretary, while a migrant mayhem ensues in a liberal hub. A Republican governor sees light ahead after clashing with the Biden admin, and a Dem mayor throws down a dare to the incoming Trump admin. Plus, JD Vance's Capitol Hill field trip and more!

Trump's Expected Education Secretary Pick: Linda McMahon

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President-elect Donald Trump is expected to choose Linda McMahon as the next Secretary of Education.
McMahon, who served as administrator of the Small Business Administration in the first Trump administration, is the wife of Vince McMahon. The couple both co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 1980.

Trump has previously floated the idea of disbanding the Department of Education, which began operating in 1980.
Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos told Fox News host Martha MacCallum last week that the department 'doesn't really add any value anywhere.'

McMahon is currently the board chairperson and chair of the Center for the American Worker at America First Policy Institute.

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At least 973 children died in these schools, according to a Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report by the Department of the Interior (DOI).
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A Missouri elementary school names one of its buildings after its devoted custodian, Claudene Wilson.
This longtime employee has taken on many roles at the small K-8 school, including welcoming students, coordinating transportation, serving lunch, and maintaining the facilities. Her dedication to the students has been unwavering for 30 years.

The Swedeborg School Board unanimously voted for the new name, the Claudene Wilson Learning Center, on August 26.

Wilson remains humble about the honor and recalls her typical workday, which often started at 6:00 AM and ended around 7:30 PM.

Despite being unconvinced that she deserves the recognition, Wilson is cherished by the whole community, including student Alex Lein, who aspires to be just like her.

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Tragic School Shooting Leaves 4 Dead and 9 Injured in Georgia High School

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In a horrifying incident, a student opened fire inside Apalachee High School in Georgia, killing two students and two teachers and injuring nine others. The suspect, identified as Colt Gray, was taken into custody and will be tried as an adult. The shooting marks the 218th time a gun was fired or brandished at a school in 2024. Authorities are still investigating if anyone was specifically targeted and if the shooter had any connection with the victims. Meanwhile, the school community is left grappling with the aftermath of the senseless violence that has become all too common in American schools."