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Recent Editions
Education Slice
National
The top education official in Louisiana, Cade Brumley, has instructed schools to ignore the new Title IX rules unveiled by the Biden administration. Brumley warned that extending the civil rights law's protections to transgender students may violate existing state and federal law. The new rules, set to take effect on August 1, drew immediate criticism from Republicans who view the transgender student protections as an attack on women's rights. Brumley argues that the new regulations conflict with a 2022 state law that bars transgender student-athletes from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. He also believes that the new rules may infringe on individuals' First Amendment rights. Brumley expects the Biden administration to use the rules to block states from enforcing trans athlete bans. Louisiana is among the 24 states that have passed laws preventing transgender student-athletes from competing based on their gender identity.
Full IssueEducation Slice
California
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals, including a gradual limit on added sugars. The rules, which were revised based on public comments and listening sessions, aim to address challenges in school breakfasts and reduce sugar intake. Starting in 2025, a limit on added sugars will apply to cereals, yogurt, and milk, expanding to an overall limit of less than 10% of total calories in a week's meals by 2027. Sodium levels in breakfasts and lunches will also be reduced by 10% and 15% respectively by 2027. Schools can continue to serve flavored milks as long as they comply with sugar limits. The new rules align with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. "We are thrilled to see the USDA has followed the recommendations from a 2022 citizen petition from the American Heart Association (AHA) and other public health groups to include an added sugars standard in this final rule," commented AHA chief executive Nancy Brown, who added: “Although we are disappointed that the whole grain standard does not fully align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the sodium standard does not require more significant reductions, we understand recent legislation limited USDA’s ability to go further.”
Full IssueEducation Slice
Texas
The Biden administration has unveiled a new labor rule that extends mandatory overtime pay to an estimated 4m salaried workers, going further than the previous Obama-era rule. From July 1, employers will be required to pay overtime premiums to workers who earn the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 when they work more than 40 hours in a week. The total will increased to $58,656 on January 1 2025. “The Department of Labor is ensuring that lower-paid salaried workers receive their hard-earned pay or get much-deserved time back with their families,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “This rule establishes clear, predictable guidance for employers on how to pay employees for overtime hours and provides more economic security to the millions of people working long hours without overtime pay.” The salary threshold will increase over time, reaching $58,656 by 2025. The new rule is expected to face legal challenges.
Full IssueEducation Slice
Florida
The head of the Florida Department of Education, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., has announced that the state will oppose the federal government's expanded interpretation of Title IX, which includes protections based on gender identity. At the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Diaz urged superintendents and school districts to refrain from implementing any changes related to this new interpretation. Florida is aligning with other states like Louisiana and Oklahoma in contesting these federal regulations.
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