KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
We have a calendar! And not only for the 2025-26 school year but also for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. We heard from members that multiple years of calendars would benefit them and their families. It will also provide the community with definite dates for future planning. Links to the three years of calendars are here:
Calendar Information for:
2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28, and PL MOU
In addition to the calendars themselves, the negotiating team agreed to three years of voluntary professional learning days. For example, on August 8, 2025, all members can participate in one day of professional development at a rate of $525.00.
Thank you to the staff of Furgeson, Juarez, and Niemes elementary schools for welcoming us for site visits this week. On Tuesday afternoon, we met with the site rep from Tracy and then attended a reading difficulties screener information meeting at the district office. The ABCUSD school board approved our calendar during their meeting on Tuesday night. On Thursday afternoon, site reps met at Cab Lane for our March meeting. On Friday afternoon, nominations for ABCFT officer elections close.
Next weekend, your elected delegates will represent ABCFT at the CFT convention in San Diego. Thank you to our veteran delegates and to those members who are participating for the first time. They will serve on resolution subcommittees, attend workshops, and vote on all matters before CFT on the convention floor. It is an opportunity to learn about statewide issues and give ABCFT’s voice to guide policies that impact us in our classrooms. 
Movie recommendation this week: The Lives of Others, which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2006. The story is set in 1984 when the Stasi were the state security service and secret police in East Germany. The film follows a Stasi officer as he surveils a playwright whose loyalty is questioned, but then becomes part of the character’s lives he has been assigned to spy upon. The corrosive effects of a society where everyone is a potential suspect are thoughtfully explored. In retrospect, a surveillance state, where neighbors were encouraged to inform on one another and ignore the erosion of their collective civil rights seems doomed to fail. Still, it is sobering to recognize that the Stasi’s techniques helped keep the East German government in power for 40 years. Hopefully, we can learn lessons from the past so we do not repeat them. Yet another reason why education and the freedom to teach actual history matters!
In Unity
RED FOR ED: ABCFT MEMBERS SHOW THEIR Colors!
HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE REPORT
BY MEGAN HARDING - ABCFT HEALTH COMMITTEE/VP HIGH SCHOOLS
Each month representatives from the different groups in ABC meet to discuss insurance issues and needs. The committee is made up of 3 ABCFT members, 2 people from management, 2 AFSCME members, and 2 CSEA members. These individuals all have 1 vote. The other members of the committee consist of members of the brokerage firm; Burnham, the CFO, Asst. Superintendent of HR and Fringe Benefits representatives. 
The goal of the benefits committee is to identify cost effective benefits that best fit the needs of all employees. This is done by analyzing the current usage data, hearing from the different carriers regarding what is new and discussing best practices regarding communicating these benefits and utilizing them to their fullest potential.
In addition, the committee looks at the rates offered by our current carriers and discusses options to bargain, accept, or change carriers altogether. If needed, the committee meets once a month starting in December and ending in June.
For a detailed report from the health benefits committee meeting, click this link
ACADEMIC SERVICES UPDATE
This month’s academic service update is vital for all teachers. We hope you will take a moment to look at this monthly report, which discusses changes in academic services that could impact your classroom. This document provides the union with a means of giving the District feedback on the many programs or changes they are proposing at any time. Without your feedback or questions on these changes, it is harder for ABCFT to slow down and modify the district’s neverending rollout of new projects. Please submit your comments and questions to the appropriate ABCFT liaison.
If you have any questions or concerns.
For Elementary curricular issues, please email Megan at Megan.Mitchell@abcusd.us ,
for Secondary curricular issues, please email Catherine at Catherine.Pascual@abcusd.us,
For Middle School issues issues, please email Jamie.Kenyon@abcusd.us
for High School issues please email Megan at Megan.Harding@abcusd.us ,
For Special Education PAL topics please email Brittney at Brittney.Parker-Goodin@abcusd.us
Click Here For This Month’s Full Report
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer 
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united, we make the YOUnion.
“We are built for this and we will survive and thrive.” - my president’s report at the rep council on Thursday.
Yesterday, ABCFT held its monthly meeting of the ABCFT Site Representatives, where your elected representatives meet to discuss concerns, participate in discussions that impact negotiations, problem-solve critical issues impacting classrooms, and hear what is happening at the school board, state, and national levels. I also reported on what I learned after visiting Washington, D.C., where I had a chance to hear directly from our national leaders. I’ve included my meme from AFT President Randi Weingarten's speech, which was a message of hope and strength.
As a district we have built connections with community, students, families, and most importantly with each other, which is our strength. Connection and community are our armor to protect us from forces that want to destroy public education and our students' futures. A lot of external noise can negatively impact our mental health and our ability to thrive as we support and guide our students to success. We need to keep our eye on what’s happening around us, but we need to put the most significant value on local connections and service to our students. This is when work-life balance is key to your mental health and success.
In our favor, ABC has a student-focused school board that values the work of its employees, on top of a highly motivated and capable district administration that is collaboratively engaged in decision-making with ABCFT and other labor unions. The school board has stated that they will look to financial solutions that are least impactful on the classroom.
Over the next week, you will begin to hear from colleagues that human resources is asking for clarifications and employee informational updates as they work to complete the Order of Employment list (seniority) that has not been released in recent years. ABCFT is working with district administration to complete this list so that employees know their placement. The Order of Employment (seniority list) is used by school districts when they are making cuts to permanent employees. This list is not used for employees moving from site to site (determined by last in first out and credentials). For example, the Santa Ana district is laying off up to 500 teachers this month. They have used their order of employment list to determine which employees are impacted by reductions in staff. In conjunction with the employment order, a district also creates a criteria of exceptions, considering the credentials and areas of need that would exempt individuals from the list. This process of skipping (exemptions) is why it was reported in the news that Santa Ana was laying off teachers with up to eleven years of experience as they worked on a list of 500 teachers. Skipping can cause employees with years of experience to be considered for layoffs.
YOUR ABC SCHOOL BOARD AND YOUR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS ARE NOT CONSIDERING LAYING OFF ANY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN ABCUSD. However, it is crucial for all teachers and nurses to understand the process used in other districts across the state. ABC is looking for alternatives to tighten our budgets and effectively use our funding.
ABCFT is thankful that the school board and district will be collecting data from a survey before the end of the month to get feedback from employees on what measures and actions would work for handling the current crisis–macro-level cuts with the goal of keeping issues away from the classroom. We are pleased that the school board members want input from employees and the community before considering any changes. This is a healthy way to find solutions and another example of why ABCUSD is “ built to survive this crisis.”
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Stay calm, stay the course, and continue to fight for what is right
CFT President Jeff Freitas is out with a new Up Front article this week, urging CFT members to stay calm and stay the course. “These are scary times, and this administration is relying on the time-tested autocratic strategy of “shock and awe” to paralyze us,” Freitas writes. “We cannot let that happen. In this moment, what is needed is to stay calm, stay the course, and continue to fight for what is right.”
Read the full article here.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
AFT calls for review of Tesla stock valuation
The 1.8m-member American Federation of Teachers has publicly called on major asset managers including Blackrock, Fidelity Investments and State Street to carry out a review of Tesla's valuation, with the union's head, Randi Weingarten, saying Tesla's "latest financial disclosures should raise alarms". Ms. Weingarten says that her focus is on "safeguarding workers' retirements", and warns that teachers' pensions could take a material hit if Tesla's stock, which has fallen 28% over the last month to $290, continues its slump, with some analysts forecasting a target of $135. "Just this week we saw Tesla stock continue to sink faster than a Cybertruck in quicksand as European sales fell off a cliff", she said: "So, we knew we needed to act fast."
Fortune
Find the latest AFT news here
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
President Trump prepares to issue executive order to close Ed. Dept.
President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order today directing his newly confirmed education secretary to work to close the department she now leads, according to two people familiar with the situation. The Wall Street Journal reports that a draft of the order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” based on “the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” The draft acknowledges that the power to close the department resides in Congress, and not the Oval Office. Sixty "yes" votes in the Senate, where the Republicans hold 53 seats, would be needed for the department to be shuttered. The Education Department is among the smallest of all federal agencies, with around 4,200 employees. According to the website for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the wages of Education Department employees account for 0.31% of all federal wages.
ABC News NPR Wall Street Journal Washington Post
----- WTH-----
Department of Education launches reporting portal
The U.S. Department of Education has introduced a public portal, EndDEI.Ed.Gov, allowing individuals to report diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in K-12 schools. The initiative was launched in advance of a directive which forces K-12 schools to end DEI practices or risk losing federal funding. Education Week notes that teacher groups have already begun legal challenges against the Trump administration's DEI policies, indicating a growing conflict over educational content in public schools. However, Tina Descovich, a co-founder and executive director of Moms for Liberty, said the federal portal will be helpful. She explained: “There are plenty of instances where [DEI practices] are happening, credible places. Hopefully, the line can be shut down eventually but right now I think it's important for it to be available.”
Education Week News
Utah bill bans Pride flags
A Utah bill, HB 71, sponsored by Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, which aims to ban Pride flags and other "divisive issues" flags from public schools is advancing, sparking debate over government overreach. Critics argue the bill infringes on free speech and targets LGBTQ+ students, creating an unwelcoming environment. Lee said that the bill is about “political neutrality.” “We want to make sure that if there is something that’s considered political and makes someone feel uncomfortable, that they shouldn’t have to worry about the government pushing and enforcing or pushing any type of ideology on anyone,” Lee said. In response, several people questioned whether international flags could be displayed, which is permitted in the law, and others brought up concerns that students may feel targeted by the legislation.
Utah News Dispatch
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Federal diversity policies face legal battle
New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside 14 other attorneys general, has issued guidance to K-12 schools and higher education institutions, reaffirming the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. This response comes after the U.S. Department of Education threatened to withhold federal funding from schools engaging in DEI initiatives. James stated, “Schools and educational institutions can rest assured that they are well within their legal rights to continue building inclusive learning environments for their students.” The guidance emphasizes that fears of losing federal funding should not justify discriminatory practices and encourages schools to support diverse educational experiences. It also clarifies that existing laws remain unchanged despite federal guidance, urging institutions to continue holistic admissions practices and protect vulnerable students from discrimination.
Chalkbeat
Congress urged to reinstate teacher workforce grants
A group of over 100 education advocacy organizations has written to Congress to argue for the reinstatement of canceled federal grants that sought to address a shortage of qualified educators in schools. The letter comes in response to a $600m cut to teacher training grants made by the U.S. Department of Education on February 17, affecting programs such as Supporting Effective Educator Development, the Teacher Quality Partnership, and the Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program. “The loss of these grants impacts the effectiveness of our teaching workforce. Many of the programs were designed to attract people from fields outside of education who could bring their expertise into the classroom,” the letter said. “Now, those individuals may no longer have access to the support and resources they need to transition into teaching, depriving students of valuable real-world knowledge and experience.” Projects canceled to date include a $23m investment to build high-quality teacher pipeline programs for high-need schools in Louisiana, and a grant to provide over 550 teachers to New Orleans schools.
K-12 Dive
----- STATE NEWS -----
State of the Schools event takes place
More than 100 community leaders and educators gathered for the inaugural State of the Schools event organized by El Rancho USD on February 27. Superintendent Marco A. Villegas emphasized the importance of collaboration, commenting: “We are one city, one district one community preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist.” The district, which serves 6,912 students, celebrated achievements such as a 96.8% graduation rate at El Rancho High School and partnerships with local colleges. Students like James Curiel, who will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, credited their teachers for encouraging personal growth and support. The event highlighted the community's commitment to education and the future of its students.
SGV Tribune
California schools face climate crisis
As Los Angeles teachers welcomed students back in January, they were unprepared for the devastating climate-fueled wildfires that soon followed, damaging 12 schools and affecting over 600,000 students. The situation highlights the urgent need for California's schools to adopt climate-resilient infrastructure, advocates claim. Los Angeles USD is taking proactive steps by investing in fire-resistant materials and modern HVAC systems, supported by a $9bn bond approved by voters. However, experts warn that a district-by-district approach is insufficient; comprehensive state planning and funding are essential to ensure all schools are equipped to handle climate challenges.
EdSource\
State board unveils new labels for student performance
The California State Board of Education has introduced four new labels to categorize student performance on state tests: Advanced, Proficient, Developing, and Minimal. This change aims to provide clearer and less demoralizing descriptions for lower-performing students. Rob Manwaring, senior policy and fiscal advisor for Children Now, expressed cautious optimism, commenting: “I think the labeling of the lowest level as Minimal and the second level as Developing seems to suggest that level of need.” The board's decision comes after rejecting previous labels that were deemed confusing and misleading. Despite the new labels, concerns remain about their potential negativity, with board member Francisco Escobedo advocating for a more positive term like "Emerging." Overall, the new labels reflect an effort to balance clarity with encouragement, although the effectiveness of these changes in improving student outcomes remains to be seen.
Los Angeles Times\
California schools advised to pause on Trump’s DEI orders
California's K-12 schools are currently navigating the implications of the Trump administration's orders aimed at abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Noelle Ellerson Ng, a legislative advocate for the School Superintendents Association, commented: “Time to take a breath. Just because Trump ordered it, doesn't mean it's going to happen.” The U.S. Department of Education has threatened to withhold funding from schools with race-focused programs, which could impact various student activities. However, a recent court ruling has temporarily blocked some of these orders, allowing schools to continue their DEI initiatives for now. Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond have urged schools to remain focused on their local programs, with Bonta stating that DEI programs are legal and beneficial.
The Californian
California Sues Cajon Valley Over LGBTQ Curriculum
The California Department of Education has found that the Cajon Valley Union School District's sexual health curriculum unlawfully excludes LGBTQ+ topics, failing to recognize diverse sexual orientations and address the harms of gender stereotypes. The omission violates state guidelines mandating inclusive sexual education. The district has been directed to revise its curriculum to comply with state law by June 2025.
MSN
----- DISTRICTS -----
Cuts threaten classes at Aptos High School
The Pajaro Valley USD Board of Trustees has voted to eliminate 60 staff positions, raising concerns among faculty and students at Aptos High School about the potential impact on educational programs. Many rallied to protest these cuts, fearing they could lead to the loss of vital departments such as visual and performing arts and career technical education. As one teacher stated, the cuts "would gut departments" and threaten the seven-period bell schedule. The deadline for pink slip notifications is set for March 15, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Santa Cruz Sentinel
School community fights back to pause mass layoffs in Oxnard
A shout out to the Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School Employees who turned out in force this week to successfully convince their school board to pause a layoff proposal of 110 teachers, 74 classified members, and the reduction of workdays for 99 more classified members. This represented 10% of the workforce and would have crippled their school district.
Over 500 educators, classified professionals, parents, and students turned out at the Oxnard Union High School District school board meeting on Wednesday, filling the board room, the overflow area, the hallways, and spilling out of every entrance and exit. Over 70 speakers gave passionate testimony about the impact of layoffs and demanding cuts be made as far away from the classroom as possible.
Hearing the concerns of the crowd, the board decided to pause the layoffs, instructing staff to work with the union to find alternatives. "This win is minor and temporary but critically important," said OFTSE Executive Director Tim Allison. "Our successful community outreach sent the board and administration a loud and clear message and bought us some time to negotiate alternate cuts in the district's spending."
Great organizing everyone!
Sonoma committed to DEI
The U.S. Department of Education has mandated that educational institutions eliminate race-specific programs within two weeks or risk losing federal funding. Despite this directive, Napa and Sonoma schools are committed to DEI initiatives. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, stated, “There's really not a scenario in which we divert from our efforts to ensure all our students feel like they belong.” Local leaders argue the letter lacks legal authority, with California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond clarifying that the directive does not carry legal weight. The situation has prompted legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the American Federation of Teachers, asserting that the directive violates free speech protections. As schools navigate this contentious landscape, the outcome of these legal battles could significantly influence future education policies.
Press Democrat
Job cuts shock union leaders
Union leaders were taken aback by the proposed layoffs in the Oxnard Union High School District, marking the first such cuts in over 15 years. The district planned to vote on more than 180 layoffs due to declining enrollment and the cessation of one-time COVID-19 funding impacting revenue. However, the number of layoffs has decreased significantly as many employees chose to retire under an incentive program. A large crowd protested the layoffs during the board meeting, prompting trustees to postpone the vote until a special meeting on March 5.
Mulgrew faces tough leadership challenge
Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, is facing a significant leadership challenge that may impact his role in New York City's upcoming Democratic mayoral primary. Having led the nearly 200,000-member union since 2009, Mulgrew is now navigating what could be the most competitive reelection of his career. In contrast to the 2021 mayoral race, where he effectively supported Scott Stringer's campaign with nearly $4m from a super PAC, the current political landscape presents a tougher scenario for Mulgrew. As he contends with this challenge, the stakes for his leadership and influence in city politics are higher than ever.
Politico
Pasadena School District faces layoffs
The Pasadena USD Board of Education is set to vote on cutting around 150 full-time employee positions, including 117 certificated and 34 classified roles. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and Chief Business Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi attributed the cuts to declining enrollment, the end of COVID-19 relief funds, and rising costs. Jonathan Gardner, president of the United Teachers of Pasadena, highlighted that 115 teacher positions are included in the proposals, urging the district to explore savings in third-party contracts before resorting to layoffs. The final decisions on cuts will be announced on May 15.
SGV Tribune
Oakland educators demand alternatives to cuts
The Oakland Education Association, along with parents, is urging the district to reconsider proposed budget cuts that could lead to educator layoffs and program reductions. During a press conference, union president Kampala Taiz-Rancifer emphasized the need to "explore alternatives that keep cuts away from our classrooms." The district's financial mismanagement has resulted in a $95 million deficit, prompting discussions at the upcoming board meeting. Parent and educator Myeisha Jones expressed concern over the impact of layoffs on already short-staffed schools, stating, "my child isn’t getting all the support he needs." The community is particularly worried about cuts affecting special education and support for vulnerable students, as highlighted by parent and teacher Sarah Holderfield, who noted that these students would face reduced learning time and support.
EdSource
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
School Medicaid funds face uncertain future
School advocacy groups, including the Association of School Business Officials International, are warning congressional leaders that cuts to Medicaid would jeopardize school-based healthcare for students who have disabilities and who come from low-income families. In a letter last week to House and Senate leaders, 65 organizations expressed concern about funding cuts to school-based Medicaid services that include health and mental health services provided by professionals like speech-language pathologists and school psychologists. On Tuesday, as the House passed a budget blueprint that directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and Medicare, to find $880bn in spending cuts, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) claimed there is significant fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system, making it “hugely problematic.” However, the advocacy groups argue, “School-based Medicaid programs serve as a lifeline to children who can’t access critical health care and health services outside of their school." In Washington state, of the more than 13,000 young children enrolled in Head Start early learning programs, 12,868 receive Medicaid services, said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. He added that any cuts will have "a real impact on some of the youngest, most vulnerable kids across our country.”
K-12 Dive
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI deployed to target students perceived as Hamas supporters
The U.S. State Department is implementing an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven initiative called "Catch and Revoke" to revoke visas of foreign students identified as supporters of Palestinian Hamas militants. This program will utilize AI to analyze social media accounts of tens of thousands of student visa holders. According to Axios, officials are investigating reports of protests against Israel's policies and lawsuits from Jewish students alleging antisemitism involving foreign nationals.
U.S. News
AI textbook adoption off to shaky start in Korea
South Korea's Education Ministry has reported that the transition to digital textbooks using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom has gotten off to a slow start, with an adoption rate of just 33%. To fully integrate AI textbooks, schools must complete several steps prior to implementation within the National Education Information System, including registration of selected AI textbooks, inputting class schedules and updating students' academic records. The administrative processes mean that students and teachers may have to wait one or two weeks additionally before they can actively use the digital materials. To address potential technical issues, the government has set up a comprehensive response center, which includes a smart inquiry system to monitor and resolve problems in real time.
The Korea Herald
----- WORKFORCE ----
----- CLASSROOM -----
Cellphone bans: a double-edged sword
As states increasingly adopt cellphone bans in schools, the effectiveness of these measures is under scrutiny. In 2024, at least eight states, including California and Indiana, enacted policies to limit cellphone use, driven by concerns over mental health and academic performance. Ken Trump, a school safety expert, remarked, “The genie is out of the bottle, and squeezing it back in is going to be nearly impossible.” The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports that Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles has enforced strict no-phone policies since its founding nine years ago, with the charter school's executive director and founding principal Vanessa Garza stating: “Cellphones present a major distraction and temptation for students. This long-standing policy has allowed our students to foster deep friendships, experience enhanced learning, and regulate healthy emotions.”
Daily Breeze Santa Cruz Sentinel
----- FINANCE -----
Financial crisis looms for schools
Seven school districts, including Oakland, San Francisco, and Hayward, are facing severe financial challenges, with some on the verge of insolvency. Michael Fine, CEO of the Financial Crisis Management and Assistance Team, attributes this crisis to declining enrollments and the end of federal Covid aid. “From my standpoint as an advocate of best practice, there should be nobody on the list because the two predominant factors are predictable,” Fine stated. Oakland, for instance, has seen a 7% drop in enrollment since 2018-19, leading to a $95m deficit. In response, the district plans to eliminate 97 positions, while San Francisco Unified is preparing to lay off 395 staff members to address a $113m deficit. The situation highlights the urgent need for districts to take proactive measures to avoid financial collapse.
EdSource
----- LEGAL -----
Federal diversity policies face legal battle
New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside 14 other attorneys general, has issued guidance to K-12 schools and higher education institutions, reaffirming the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. This response comes after the U.S. Department of Education threatened to withhold federal funding from schools engaging in DEI initiatives. James commented: “Schools and educational institutions can rest assured that they are well within their legal rights to continue building inclusive learning environments for their students.” The guidance emphasizes that fears of losing federal funding should not justify discriminatory practices and encourages schools to support diverse educational experiences. It also clarifies that existing laws remain unchanged despite federal guidance, urging institutions to continue holistic admissions practices and protect vulnerable students from discrimination.
Chalkbeat
Fraud scandal rocks Cal State Long Beach
Two former employees of Cal State Long Beach, Oscar Perez Almanza and Hender Noe Maxwell, face felony charges for allegedly stealing $36,560 from the university through a payroll fraud scheme. According to L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the duo submitted false time sheets, with Maxwell billing for hours he did not work, while Almanza approved these sheets despite knowing Maxwell was no longer employed. Hochman expressed his dismay, stating, “Stealing from California's venerated public university system steals from taxpayers and the thousands of students who rely on the university for affordable tuition.” If convicted, both could face up to three years in county jail. They were arraigned and released on the condition of surrendering their passports, with a court date set for April 14.
Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court declines to take up bias-reporting case
The U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to review a case concerning bias-reporting policies at educational institutions, particularly focusing on Indiana University's approach. These policies aim to create a safe learning environment but have faced criticism from conservative groups, which argue they may lead to self-censorship among students. Justice Clarence Thomas expressed concerns, stating, “Common features of bias response policies suggest that they may cause students to self-censor.” The case, Speech First Inc. v. Whitten, highlighted the existence of similar policies in 115 school districts across 22 states. Indiana University maintains that its bias-response program encourages free expression while fostering inclusivity. The Supreme Court's decision leaves Indiana's policy intact for now, despite dissent from Justices Thomas and Alito, who believe the issue warrants further examination.
Education Week News
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Colleges resist Trump’s demands on diversity
As schools and colleges across the U.S. face a deadline to end diversity programs following a memo from the Trump administration, many institutions are choosing to resist. Leaders from various colleges, including Antioch University and Western Michigan University, have expressed their intent to maintain current diversity practices, stating that compliance is unlikely unless federal law changes. The memo, which aims to halt practices that treat individuals differently based on race, has been criticized as an overreach. While some education leaders are cautious, others are evaluating their diversity initiatives in light of the new guidance.
LA Daily News SGV Tribune
Financial aid for undocumented students at risk
Nearly half of U.S. states provide financial assistance or in-state tuition for undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal from the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. However, recent federal immigration policy changes have led to states like Florida rescinding these benefits, potentially increasing tuition costs for undocumented students significantly. Gaby Pacheco, president and CEO of TheDream.US, emphasized that "cost is the biggest barrier for immigrant students seeking to attend a college or university." As educators guide undocumented students, they are encouraged to explore scholarships and alternative pathways to higher education, especially in states with restrictive policies.
Education Week News
----- OTHER -----
At NTA Life, we’re here to provide extra peace of mind with individual supplemental benefits that offer tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our benefits are designed to go above and beyond your major medical insurance, helping cover things like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected expenses that can come up during an illness or injury. We offer the following programs:
- Cancer Coverage
- Heart Coverage
- Hospital Coverage
- Accident Coverage
- Disability Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Specified Disease Coverage – which even comes with a return of premium after 20 years!
The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
- Shannon Donovan: 714-727-8261 | shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
