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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
A federal religious liberty commission established by President Donald Trump has released draft recommendations urging federal agencies to expand protections for religious expression in K-12 schools, including supporting Ten Commandments displays, creating guidance on parents' rights to opt children out of lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs, and promoting students' and school employees' rights to express their faith on campus. The report also recommends "Know Your Rights" materials for schools, a Justice Department hotline to investigate alleged religious liberty violations, expanded school choice, support for school chaplain programs, and extending the Equal Access Act to elementary schools. The commission argues that many schools incorrectly limit religious expression and that federal policy should place greater emphasis on protecting religious freedom in public education. Critics, including church-state separation advocates, say the proposals advance a Christian nationalist agenda, undermine the separation of church and state, and could disadvantage students from minority faiths or those who identify as LGBTQ+. The recommendations are not binding but could influence future federal education and Justice Department policies.
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Education Slice
California
California schools are responding to the updated California Racial Mascots Act by retiring some Native American-themed names or securing tribal consent to keep them. Sanger High School retained Apache with permission from the Lipan Apache Band of Texas and North Fork Rancheria, and raised the Lipan Apache Band flag after Chief Richard Gonzalez said: “It gives us honor because you’re doing it in a respectful and honorable way.” Other districts, including Fresno Unified and Fullerton High School, are changing mascots after consultation. Assemblymember James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, said the issue “goes deeper than the name being changed,” emphasizing whether Native American students feel respected, included and able to succeed on campus.
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Education Slice
Texas
The Texas Tribune has launched a searchable database detailing the latest vaccination rates for school districts and private schools, revealing significant changes over the past year. Notably, the number of students exempt from required immunizations for conscientious or religious reasons has increased statewide. Kindergarten vaccination rates across the state and nation have dropped in recent years compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a concerning trend as exemption rates rise. Each school year, Texas public school districts and private schools report vaccination rates for required immunizations, which the state compiles into spreadsheets. The Texas Tribune has made this data easily accessible, allowing users to explore coverage rates for the 2025-26 school year and compare them to previous years. Vaccination rates can vary significantly between specific campuses and their respective districts, especially in areas with multiple elementary schools.
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Education Slice
Florida
The involvement of Republican School Board member Adam Cervera in a Democratic fundraising dinner advertisement has led to a contentious political campaign and a defamation lawsuit. Cervera, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is accused in a "Republican Voter Alert" text of misusing public funds for the ad, which he claims is false. He has filed a lawsuit against Michael Worley and the political action committee Making Democracy Work, seeking to remove the ad and prevent further false accusations. Cervera stated: “I’m not going to sit by while a political consultant knowingly spreads falsehoods to mislead voters.” The controversy began after the Broward School District's logo appeared in the ad for a Democratic event, prompting an investigation by the state Department of Education. Worley defended the claims, asserting that taxpayer money was used for the ad, a statement he stands by despite Cervera's denial of attending the event.
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