June 2022

Thomasson Series on Education and American Democracy – ‘Go West, Young Man’ Reconsidered: No One Here is from Here’

So, patient readers, where to begin: how about “this land is my land” or “no one here is from here”? It is always difficult for educators to know how to broach this subject, unless cur-rent “regional” culture dictates it. Just today, for example, I received a “national survey” in the mail, wanting my opinion on a “left leaning” that threatens an “honest and balanced” (read “right-leaning”) account of American history. Well, I have always challenged my students to an “honest and balanced” account, that is an open-minded, objective critical inquiry.

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The best time to start anew is now

In 1914 Thomas Edison’s factory in West Orange, N.J., was destroyed by a fire. Much of Edison’s life work went up in flames. At the height of the fire, Edison’s 24-year-old son, Charles, searched frantically for his father. He finally found him, calmly watching the fire, his face glowing in the reflection, his white hair blowing in the wind.

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The U.S. Department of Education Releases Proposed Changes to Title IX Regulations, Invites Public Comment

U.S. Department of Education In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX – the landmark civil rights law that has opened doors for generations of women and girls – the U.S. Department of Education released for public comment proposed changes to the regulations that help elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities implement this vital legislation. The proposed amendments will restore crucial protections for students who are victims of sexual harassment, assault, and sex-based discrimination – a critical safety net for survivors that was weakened under previous regulations. The proposed regulations will advance educational equity and opportunity for women and girls across the country to ensure that every student in America, from kindergarten through a doctorate degree, can achieve her dreams. “Over the last 50 years, Title IX has paved the way for millions of girls and women to access equal opportunity in our nation’s schools and has been instrumental in combating sexual assault and sexual violence in educational settings,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this landmark law, our proposed changes will allow us to continue that progress and ensure all our nation’s students – no matter where they live, who they are, or whom they love – can learn, grow, and thrive in school. We welcome public comment on these critical regulations so we can further the Biden-Harris Administration’s mission of creating educational environments free from sex discrimination and sexual violence.” The proposed regula

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Summer Scholars Academy Offered by Northland Community & Technical College to Boost College Readiness

Future college students will now have the opportunity to bolster their mathematics skills and ease the transition to college courses with Northland’s Summer Scholars Academy. The Summer Scholars Academy is a free program that will run from July 12 through August 3, 2022, on Northland’s East Grand Forks campus.

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$3.2M settlement reached in police killing of Daunte Wright

A suburban Minneapolis city has agreed to pay $3.2 million to the family of Daunte Wright, a Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer who said she confused her gun for her Taser. The tentative settlement also includes changes in police policies and training involving traffic stops like the one that resulted in Wright's death, according to a statement Tuesday night from attorneys representing Wright's family.

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