Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University, resigned amid growing backlash over a viral classroom video in which a professor discussed gender identity in a children’s literature course. The controversy led to the firing of the professor, Melissa McCoul, and the removal of two department leaders. While Welsh did not explicitly say that the viral incident caused his resignation, many observers see a clear connection between the political pressure he faced and his decision to step down.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire for refusing to disclose how much taxpayer money is being spent on a fuzzy, cartoon-like mascot dubbed “Frankie Focus.” The character, part of a campaign to promote cellphone bans in public schools, debuted last week at a Brooklyn middle school. Critics across the political spectrum are blasting the initiative as wasteful and “tone-deaf.”
A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Pierce County, Washington, early Saturday morning after making violent threats against a school and claiming access to firearms. Deputies from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the teen is now in custody and that a significant cache of weapons and disturbing materials consistent with a planned mass shooting were seized from his home.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging public schools to implement a dedicated time for prayer and reading the Bible in the wake of the state's new law allowing the activities to take place.
Texas lawmakers have voted to abolish the STAAR test, long criticized as an ineffective burden on students and teachers. But the replacement plan may leave students with more tests—not fewer. House Bill 8, sponsored by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), has passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and awaits final concurrence before heading to Governor Greg Abbott for signature.
A new survey shows parents growing wary of artificial intelligence in classrooms, even as more school districts push ahead with the technology. The PDK poll, reported by The Hill, found that nearly 70 percent of parents are uncomfortable with AI software accessing their children’s personal information, such as grades.
A Republican lawmaker in Pennsylvania is pushing a sweeping plan to eliminate school property taxes by creating a multibillion-dollar education endowment fund. The proposal would replace the roughly $16 billion collected annually from taxpayers for public schools.
A recent audit from the California State Auditor found that Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools (HCCTS) inappropriately received more than $180 million in funds.
A Bangladeshi Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 170 in what officials are calling the worst aviation disaster in the country in decades. The crash occurred at Milestone School and College, a private institution in the capital city, as students were exiting class.
A North Carolina teen received a $20,000 settlement and formal apology this week after being suspended for using the term “illegal alien” during an English class vocabulary discussion in April 2024.
