KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
I attended the Finance and Audit committee last Tuesday evening. Mr. Nguyen presented the latest enrollment and attendance numbers. District enrollment as of mid November is 17,528 students. For context, at this time last year, the district enrollment was 18,011. In November of the 2022-2023 school year, district enrollment was 18,312. That leaves us with a two-year decrease of 784 students.
On the positive side, attendance is up! At this time last year, district-wide attendance was 95.67%. For the 2024-2025 school year thus far, we are at 95.94%. 0.27% may seem like only a slight increase, but every little bit helps. Improved attendance positively impacts our ADA and is a much needed counterbalance to declining enrollment.
The 2025-26 fiscal outlook for schools was also discussed. This document was prepared by the Legislative Anaylyst’s Office and projects a COLA of 2.46%. This is lower than the School Services projection last year of 2.93%. We will have to wait until the governor releases his initial budget next month to see what COLA numbers will be used to fund next year. The process of negotiating with the legislature will begin with the May revise providing even more accurate numbers before the final budget is agreed to in mid June.
The LAO projects that the Prop. 98 guarantee in 2025-26 is $1.5 billion (1.3 percent) above the 2024-25 enacted budget level. In addition, $3.7 billion in funding is freed up from the expiration of various one-time costs and other formula-driven adjustments. After accounting for the freed up funding and the cost of providing a 2.46% statutory cost of living adjustment for school and community college programs, the estimate is that $2.8 billion would be available for new commitments. The Legislature could set aside a portion of this estimate to eliminate the payment deferrals it adopted in the June 2024 budget plan, which would help build budget resiliency. For the remaining funds, dedicating a portion for one-time spending would create a buffer to help protect ongoing programs in case the guarantee is lower than expected in the future.
Another factor is that the Prop. 98 calculation will be up $3 billion relative to the enacted budget level but constitutional formulas would require the state to deposit nearly all of this additional funding into a statewide reserve account for schools and community colleges. (the Proposition 98 reserve). This deposit would bring the balance of the reserve to $3.7 billion.
What does all of this mean? My takeaway is that the projection will be better next year than this year with the precise amount still to be determined. Some of the accounting details feel like inside baseball machinations but are a reminder that we had to dip into the reserve to pay for this year, so extra funds next year essentially are going to make up the difference that was used to meet the current shortfall. The rainy day fund is a good idea; it keeps us from the precipice of a true crisis. But it also begs the question, when should we use the rainy day fund when it feels like a fiscal storm every year? Our members justifiably want to see gains on their salary schedule and while it may be comforting that long term reserves are in place they feel an understandable urgency to remain competitive in terms of compensation sooner rather than later. The LAO report also points toward the cyclical nature of some of this funding, that one-time monies are just that and that some costs expire over time along with particular programs.
We have one full week before Winter Break begins. Many sites are in the midst of holiday celebrations and doing all of the extra preparations to make the season memorable for their students. Thank you for all you do to encourage a special spirit among colleagues and the community. Point of personal privilege: congratulations to my daughter who is graduating with her bachelor’s degree next week. It didn’t feel that long ago when I stood in front of a staff meeting and shared that she and her brothers would be born. It goes fast; enjoy every moment. Go Anteaters. Zot! Zot! Zot!
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
FUELING INNOVATION (ABC teachers and nurses will receive hourly pay for six hours of attending.)
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UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER CONTRACT
We received a question about returning to service from paid leaves of absence. The relevant section in the contract is Article XXI: Section F.
Upon return to service a unit member shall complete and submit a Certification of Absence form to his/her immediate supervisor stipulating the reason for the absence.
Unit members returning to duty from illness involving surgery, serious illness, or extended absence shall be required to present a doctor’s statement verifying medical release to return to duty, including any restrictions.
If the absence is due to illness or injury and is five (5) or more days in length, the District may require a statement from a physician verifying the reason for the absence. The District may require such verification for an absence of less than five (5) days if the District has reason to believe the absence may not have been used for proper leave purposes.
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.
“ Can you please get your clothes off the floor so Floorence can easily get around your room?” This is me talking gingerly to my teenage daughter in preparation for our house cleaning roomba, which is named Floorence.
One of the most important principles of working in collaboration with others is that you make efforts to understand the world from their perspective. Understanding another person's working conditions is a significant way to understand the impact of workloads, expectations, and what skills and passions an individual brings. A couple of weeks ago, with the help of Tony Ballardo (AFSCME President), I arranged to shadow a custodian at one of our secondary schools. Over the past couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of custodial responsibilities, just as there has been a truckload of additional responsibilities placed on classroom teachers. I feel it is essential that I shine a light on the similar workload pressures we face, the overlap of our shared space, and how we can positively impact our fellow ABCUSD employees. Here are my findings:
Just as working conditions are teaching conditions, the cleanliness of a learning environment is a crucial component of this process. We all work together to help maintain the best learning conditions for our students.
A typical custodian works eight hours, including a 30-minute dinner/lunch. Each custodian has a schedule of activities to complete, called a “route,” which assigns a number of minutes for each task to be completed on their duty day. Because of the nature of the work and dust, they often wear face masks to protect themselves from irritants and dust. In the case of my interview, the custodian was given 45 minutes to complete the cleaning of a science room with about a dozen or so sinks, multiple trash cans, and about fifteen tables with four chairs at each table. Custodians are trained when they start their position regarding sequence and cleanliness expectations. There is a list of tasks that are completed in hierarchical order of importance.
Typically, when a custodian enters your room to clean it after teachers and students have left, the work starts with the emptying of multiple trash cans (including those outside) and the manual pick up of paper, trash, materials, or other objects that have been left on the floor. Once the floor is free of obstructions, the next task is either vacuuming or sweeping the floor, which happens once daily if conditions are right (I’ll get into the perfect conditions later in this report). In cases with hard floors, this is expected to be done an average of two times a week.
If the conditions are correct, the custodian can do what are considered “extras”. Some extras include cleaning whiteboards, dusting, cleaning of windows, wiping of tables, and cleaning the teacher's desk.
I asked about materials and was told that ABCUSD is good at providing custodians with the chemicals and tools they need to complete their tasks. In addition, I was told that, for the most part, custodians who work inside work in moderate temperatures and with good lighting.
What factors negatively impact the cleaning work? Finding personnel to fill these positions is as difficult, if not more, than finding credentialed classroom teachers. Most districts nationwide struggle to recruit and retain their classified employees. However, I was informed that a custodian may have to juggle additional duties several times a week due to absences or position vacancies. Just as substitute teachers impact site teachers or grade-level teams, there is a negative impact when the district uses substitute custodians to complete holes in the roster for the day/night. Just as our student/teacher ratios are upheld in a contract, the custodians’ work is measured and delegated by the space and time allotted to cleaning routes. Another primary consideration is that custodians must adjust to times when our students are creating more debris. Food in the classroom can also create additional cleaning if not adequately cleaned by the students. Custodians have reported that their job is more tiring and causes more wear and tear on their bodies when districts and classrooms are not supportive of their time.
How can we make changes in collaboration with our fellow ABC employee groups? I didn’t even know there were extras or minimum cleaning expectations when I was in the classroom. If the trash were emptied regularly, I would be thankful. However, in my interview, I asked how teachers might see more comprehensive cleaning coverage. I was informed that a good setup for cleaning would ensure more cleaning tasks are completed and that any preparation, such as having the students put their chairs on the desks, helps decrease the time spent on regular cleaning tasks. Informing our students that their efforts to keep their learning environment clean is a priority and that their action to actively help keep their classroom clean is an essential part of the cleanliness equation.
During my interview, I wondered what motivated a custodian to work hard. What is their “ownership” of what we do in public schools? The custodian I interviewed told me that she had two students who went to ABC schools and that it was a source of pride that she would want her kids to go to clean schools. Many of our classified union brothers and sisters live within the ABCUSD boundaries, so these are their schools, these are their kids, and those kids are their family's futures.
I learned a lot about the reality our classified friends face daily. Their struggles to balance workloads and complications seem uncannily similar to what we face in our classrooms. I hope you see this invisible meaningful work differently as you do your own meaningful work.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
CFT Division Councils are in action building the union this week
This week local CFT presidents and leaders from throughout the state are gathering in Sacramento for the annual EC/TK-12 Council presidents retreat. The retreat this year is focused on teacher recruitment and retention, building union leadership capacity, and addressing the impacts of declining enrollment and potential layoffs. But just as important is the connections strengthened between local leaders, who are learning from and supporting one another as they address the critical issues facing our public schools. (Pictured above, EC/TK-12 local leaders are all smiles at the new CFT office in Sacramento.)
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Schumer says Senate will vote on Social Security changes
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday he’s “doing everything” he can to try to pass legislation that would enact some Social Security reforms before Congress ushers in a new class next month.
Schumer said at a rally the Senate “is going to take action on the Social Security,” telling union members, “you’re going to find out which senators are with you and which are [against] you.”
“I got all my Democrats lined up to support it. I want you to work. We need 15 Republicans. Let’s get them. We’re going to have the vote,” he continued. The Democratic leader also posted online to support the legislation, dubbed the Social Security Fairness Act, later Wednesday.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/schumer-says-senate-vote-social-212931952.html
----- IMMIGRATION RIGHTS -----
Attorney General Bonta releases updated guidance to public schools to protect immigrant rights
In response to the incoming Trump administration’s inhumane threats of mass arrests, detention, and deportations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta this week issued updated model policies and recommendations to guide public institutions in complying with California law limiting state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities.
This guidance, which includes instructions for public schools, was first issued in 2018 and is intended to help staff develop practical plans to protect the rights of immigrants and their families to safely access public institutions by limiting support of immigration enforcement activity at these institutions. Specific guidance was issued for higher education and for K-12 schools. More details here.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Principals' sleepless nights: Student behavior tops concerns
Principals face numerous challenges that keep them awake at night, primarily concerning resources to meet students' behavioral needs. According to the EdWeek Research Center, many principals worry about the lack of support from district leadership, with one high school principal in Ohio stating: “The [administrators] in my district do not feel that the superintendent has our back.” Other significant concerns include teacher shortages, low pay, and the impact of disengaged parents on student performance. The pandemic has exacerbated issues like chronic absenteeism and declining student behavior, leading to increased stress among school leaders. As one principal from Virginia noted, “Students who lack basic skills like reading, math facts, and following simple directions” are a major concern. With ongoing political battles and insufficient funding, the challenges for principals are likely to persist.
Will schools become immigration targets?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, concerns are rising among educators about potential immigration enforcement in schools. Reports indicate that Trump plans to rescind a policy that has historically protected schools from ICE raids. According to NBC News, this change could occur on his first day in office, raising fears for the 5.5m children living with unauthorized immigrant parents. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of not disrupting access to essential services, stating: “To the fullest extent possible, we should not take an enforcement action in or near a location that would restrain people's access to essential services.” Legal experts warn that immigration enforcement in schools could violate constitutional rights established in the 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision. As uncertainty looms, educators are urged to remind families of their rights and prepare for potential changes in immigration policy.
Ed Dept mulls requirement for schools to report ‘informal removals’ of kids with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education is considering changes to the types of information that schools nationwide must report about the experiences of students with disabilities. Federal officials are updating plans for its upcoming civil rights data collection on information regarding enrollment, student access to courses and teachers, discipline, restraint and seclusion. At the request of disability advocates, the agency is evaluating whether to start collecting information on so-called “informal removals,” or situations when schools ask students to leave a program or activity without making any record of the incident or providing written notice. “We know that there are many ways that kids are removed from class: sent home, to the office, to the hall, and other ways that they are denied the opportunity to learn that don’t raise to the level of suspension,” said Denise S. Marshall, chief executive of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. “However, students nonetheless are not receiving instruction, implementation of their individualized programs or related services. That needs to be counted.” The Education Department, which is accepting comments on the proposed changes through December 16, is also considering whether to ask about the experiences of students that districts have placed in private schools, including whether they are subject to restraint and seclusion.
----- STATE NEWS -----
Religious freedom vs. education: Kern County considers classroom commandments
The Kern County Board of Education is set to discuss the potential display of the Ten Commandments in schools on December 17. Robert Meszaros, spokesman for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, confirmed that the meeting will include presentations on the historical and legal justifications for such displays. However, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) argues that there is "no historical basis for displaying the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms," asserting that it violates both the U.S. and California Constitutions. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor emphasized that public schools should not promote any religious doctrine, stating: "The school board has no business telling a captive audience of schoolchildren which gods to worship." This discussion comes amid ongoing debates about the separation of church and state in educational settings.
California schools to shield immigrant kids
California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi has introduced legislation aimed at limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to schools and daycare facilities. The proposed bill requires ICE officers to present valid identification, a statement of purpose, a court order, and approval from the school district’s superintendent or daycare director before entering. Furthermore, the presence of children would prevent officers from entering, even with proper documentation. Muratsuchi emphasized: “Our children should not be afraid to come to school and parents should not be afraid to send their children to school,” highlighting the need for a safe environment for immigrant children amid the upcoming Trump administration. Existing state laws already prevent schools from collecting students' immigration status and restrict access during school hours to ensure safety.
California's bilingual education struggle continues
California has faced significant challenges in restoring bilingual education after nearly two decades of bans. Bárbara Flores, a bilingual education advocate, expressed concern over the loss of educational opportunities, declaring: “We lost a whole generation of kids.” Despite the passage of Proposition 58 in 2016, which allowed bilingual education, the recovery has been slow. The state struggles with a shortage of qualified bilingual teachers, with only 1,011 new bilingual teacher credentials issued in the 2022-23 school year. Research shows that bilingual education, particularly dual-language programs, benefits students academically and socially. Patricia Gándara from UCLA highlights that students with strong bilingual education are more likely to attend and complete college. As California moves forward, advocates stress the need for systemic support and funding to ensure the success of bilingual programs.
California fights back against deportations
In response to rising deportation fears, California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi introduced Assembly Bill 49, which aims to restrict U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to schools and child care centers. The bill requires immigration officers to present valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a court order to enter the facilities, ensuring that they can only access areas without children present. Muratsuchi emphasized the need for protection, stating: “We know that this is coming, and we need to do everything we can to protect our immigrant students as well as their families.” Approximately 146,000 undocumented children are enrolled in California schools, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has reiterated the state's commitment to safeguarding immigrant rights. Despite the lack of ICE raids in schools historically, concerns persist due to the potential for increased enforcement under a second Trump presidency. Kevin Johnson, former dean of UC Davis School of Law, noted that the immigrant community is anxious, saying: “The word on the street in the immigrant community is that all bets are off.”
----- DISTRICTS -----
Budget cuts to Petaluma City Schools may total $2m
Petaluma City Schools is facing potential budget cuts of up to $2m for the 2025-26 school year due to the end of COVID funding. The district is seeking community input on how to address this issue. Staff will review the district's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) during a community meeting on December 19. The LCAP outlines actions to address chronic absenteeism, staff training for reading difficulties, and professional development for multilingual or low-income students. The district's 2024-25 adopted budget is exacerbated by rising salaries, benefits, and overhead expenses.
SF school district nudges older teachers out to save $113M
Now that San Francisco’s public school district has halted its controversial school closure plan, older teachers and staffers are on the chopping block.
Maria Su, the superintendent appointed in October to stabilize the San Francisco Unified School District amid a financial crisis, is targeting $113 million in cuts. Her primary strategy is a buyout plan for senior employees.
“The district will continue to be proactive and vigilant in managing its fiscal resources,” said Su in a budget document, “while ensuring that our schools, teachers, staff, and students have the resources they need to maintain the excellent educational program.”
https://sfstandard.com/2024/12/09/sfusd-teacher-buyout/
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI revolutionizes school district management: 70% of administrators approve
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are transforming school operations, helping district leaders streamline tasks and engage communities. Andrew Adams, executive director of business services for the Eden Prairie school district in Minnesota, used ChatGPT to navigate funding documentation, though he highlighted the importance of human oversight after identifying errors in AI-generated suggestions. Despite the challenges, Adams advocates for embracing AI, having launched an “AI for Dummies” class for the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials to encourage experimentation and learning. Similarly, Madeline Negrón, superintendent of New Haven schools in Connecticut, used the AI-driven tool ThoughtExchange to gather extensive community feedback for a five-year strategic plan. The tool’s ability to translate queries into 76 languages and analyze demographic-specific data enabled unprecedented outreach in the district of 19,000 students. Negrón plans to use AI for future projects, including crafting a "portrait of a graduate" to define key student skills. A recent EdWeek Research Center survey found strong support for AI among K-12 administrators, with 70% endorsing its use for tracking and analyzing community feedback.
Unlocking AI for teachers
OpenAI has launched a self-paced online course aimed at K-12 teachers to help them understand generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications in the classroom. Since its launch on November 20, around 10,000 educators have participated, with 98% reporting that the course provided valuable strategies for their teaching. Robbie Torney, senior director for AI programs at Common Sense Media, emphasized that the course is designed to equip busy teachers with essential skills quickly. However, some experts, like Eryk Salvaggio from Harvard University, argue that the course's rapid pace may not allow teachers to fully grasp the material. The course covers AI basics, practical applications, and risks, but experts like Pat Yongpradit from Code.org believe it lacks depth in explaining AI's workings and biases. Overall, the course serves as a starting point, but further professional development is necessary for teachers to effectively integrate AI into their classrooms.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Texas outpaces California in teacher diversity, new report reveals
A report by the National Council on Teacher Quality highlights that 43% of Texas' teacher workforce comes from historically disadvantaged groups, surpassing California's 33%. Texas also outperformed expectations, with 8.1 percentage points more teachers from these groups compared to working-age adults with degrees, though the number has slightly declined since 2014. In contrast, California's diversity gap widened to 12.8 percentage points despite a modest increase since 2014. Experts attribute Texas’ success to its growing diverse population and targeted recruitment efforts, while California struggles with affordability and systemic barriers in retaining diverse educators. Nationally, teacher diversity lags behind the broader college-educated workforce, raising concerns about systemic inequities in education.
Black teachers 'need support'
Many Black educators are experiencing significant stress, prompting experts to emphasize the importance of self-care during the holidays. Annaise Oge, a science teacher at North Miami Senior High School, remarked “The profession is changing... I think that contributes to the teacher shortage that we have now all over.” The 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey reveals that 22% of Black teachers left their positions in 2022, with many planning to do so again. Experts like Gregory Scott Brown advocate for prioritizing self-care, suggesting that teachers should set boundaries and engage in simple activities like walking or meditation.
----- CLASSROOM -----
AI to revolutionize classrooms, not replace teachers
Anant Agarwal, founder of edX and MIT professor, highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing a global teacher shortage, projected at 40m by 2030. AI, he argues, won’t replace teachers but will enhance their capabilities, freeing them from repetitive tasks like grading and administrative duties to focus on engaging and inspiring students. Agarwal likens AI in education to hybrid car technologies that assist drivers while retaining human oversight. Tools like AI-powered tutors, adaptive learning systems, and platforms such as Khan Academy’s Khanmigo and edX are already reshaping classrooms by personalizing learning, offering instant feedback, and identifying student needs in real time. In the short term, AI assists in creating lesson plans, customizing quizzes, and detecting learning gaps. In the long run, it promises dynamic, personalized classrooms where teachers guide discussions, provide emotional support, and foster creativity, while AI automates routine tasks. Agarwal emphasizes that AI cannot replace the empathy and passion educators bring but can amplify these qualities, transforming them into “superteachers.” He urges educators to embrace AI as a co-pilot to expand their impact, tailor education to individual needs, and revive lifelong learning.
----- SECURITY -----
LA schools face alarming vandalism surge
The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable is urging Los Angeles USD to establish an anti-school vandalism taskforce following 171 reported cases of burglary and vandalism. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Roundtable, emphasized the urgency, stating: “The task force has to be started right now.” Recently, a South Los Angeles elementary school experienced a break-in resulting in damages of approximately $115,000. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho confirmed that an investigation is underway.
----- FINANCE -----
Oregon school district seeks $2m loan
The Corbett School District in Oregon is currently negotiating a $2m loan with the Multnomah Education Service District to address a $3m budget shortfall. Superintendent Derek Fialkiewicz explained: “The loan is to make sure we have enough cash to make it through the remainder of the school year.” Despite the loan negotiations, the district plans to lay off several staff members, including educators and administrators, to manage ongoing payroll costs. The financial issues stem from past overspending, attributed to an accountant's failure to account for health care benefits, as noted by Doanna Anderson, the service district's chief financial officer. Community members are concerned about the impact of these cutbacks on the district's reputation and the potential loss of experienced teachers.
----- LEGAL -----
Parents' challenge to trans support plan dismissed
The Supreme Court recently chose not to hear an appeal from Parents Protecting Our Children regarding Wisconsin's Eau Claire Area School District's transgender support policies. The parents argue that the district's approach facilitates "gender identity transitions at school" without parental knowledge, claiming it is not in their children's best interest. However, the court ruled that the parents lacked standing, as they could not prove the policy directly affected their children. Justice Samuel Alito expressed concern over federal courts avoiding contentious constitutional questions by relying on standing. The district maintains that gender support plans are accessible to parents and aim to assist students with gender identity concerns. Judge Michael Scudder noted that the lawsuit emerged as the district's guidance was being finalized, emphasizing the complexity of gender identity issues.
Kanye West's school faces legal troubles
In a significant legal development, a judge has issued a default judgment against Kanye West's Yeezy Christian Academy, now known as Donda Academy, following a lawsuit from former assistant principal Isaiah Meadows. Meadows sought the judgment due to wrongful termination and unpaid wages after the school failed to appear in court. Judge Christopher K. Lui ruled in favor of Meadows, striking the defendants' responses to the complaint. Meadows alleged that he raised multiple health and safety concerns, including a classroom skylight without glass, which led to water damage and mold. He claimed that after voicing these issues, he was demoted and ultimately terminated without explanation. This lawsuit is one of at least five against West and Donda Academy, highlighting a pattern of alleged workplace hostility and safety violations. The school has been closed since June 2023, following a tumultuous period marked by a series of controversial remarks from West.
SCOTUS considers youth vaping regulations
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating a significant case regarding the regulation of flavored vaping products, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems harmful to youth. Deputy U.S. Solicitor General Curtis E. Gannon highlighted that “seven percent of youth are still using open-tank systems,” equating to over 114,000 middle and high school students. Although e-cigarette use among this demographic has decreased, concerns persist, prompting lawsuits against manufacturers like Juul Labs. The case, Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, centers on the FDA's 2021 denial of applications from two companies to market flavored products. The FDA argues that flavored vapes attract youth, while the companies claim their products are not appealing to younger users. The Supreme Court's decision, expected by late June, could have significant implications for the vaping industry and youth health.
ABC News Education Week News Washington Post
Transgender youth medical care under SCOTUS spotlight
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deliberating a significant case regarding medical care for transgender youth, specifically focusing on Tennessee's law that restricts puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh raised concerns about the implications for women's sports, questioning, “If you prevail here on the standard of review, what would that mean for women's and girls' sports in particular?” The case, United States v. Skrmetti, examines whether the law violates the 14th Amendment's equal-protection clause. Advocates argue that the law creates sex-based classifications, while Tennessee defends it as a necessary regulation to protect minors from potential harm. The court's liberal justices expressed strong support for transgender rights, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor stating, “the evidence is very clear that there are some children who actually need this treatment.” A decision is anticipated by June.
----- SOCIAL & COMMUNITY -----
Is TikTok's ban finally happening?
The banning of TikTok in the U.S. appears to be moving closer following a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which denied TikTok's petition to overturn a law requiring it to sever ties with Chinese parent company ByteDance Ltd. TikTok has requested a pause on the law's enforcement until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews its appeal. While some educators welcome the ban due to concerns over mental health and attention spans, others appreciate the platform for its ability to connect with students and serve as a professional development tool. TikTok argues that the ban would infringe on the freedom of speech of over 170m Americans, stating: “The TikTok ban, unless stopped, will silence the voices of over 170m Americans here in the U.S. and around the world.” Meanwhile, the platform faces additional legal challenges regarding its impact on children's mental health and privacy violations.
A WORD FROM OUR GENEROUS SPONSOR
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