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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a law granting the state authority to label certain groups as terrorist organizations, effectively dissolving their nonprofit status. The law prohibits public schools and universities from funding programs deemed to promote terrorism and mandates the expulsion of students who support designated terrorist groups. DeSantis emphasized the need for public safety, stating: “We don't want money flowing to these groups that are appendages of terrorist groups.” Critics, including Hiba Rahim, executive director of CAIR-Florida, argue that the law unfairly targets Muslims and threatens free speech. The law also allows the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to designate groups as terrorists, raising concerns about due process and potential misuse.

 

The Bradenton Times

Orlando Sentinel

WINK News

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The Trump administration has moved to terminate six civil rights settlement agreements that had been put in place with school districts and a college to protect the rights of transgender students, effectively ending federal monitoring and enforcement of those measures. The U.S. Department of Education said the agreements, negotiated under previous administrations, represented a misapplication of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, and described them as imposing unlawful obligations on schools. The terminated agreements had aimed to ensure transgender students had equal access to educational opportunities, including protections related to identity, participation, and treatment within school environments. The affected institutions include districts in California, Delaware, Washington state, and Pennsylvania, as well as a California college. While some districts indicated the agreements had already been implemented or would have limited immediate impact, the broader policy shift removes a layer of federal oversight. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the decision, arguing it undermines protections for vulnerable students and weakens enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in education.

 

The Hill

PBS News

Reuters

Manatee County School Board members are considering a policy that would restrict teachers from showing support for social movements and equality issues. During a workshop meeting, board members debated the implications of prohibiting staff from engaging in political activism on school grounds. "We have to do something to stop that from happening," said School Board Member Richard Tatem, referring to political displays in schools. The proposed policy aims to tighten existing rules against political campaigning by prohibiting teachers from displaying any political materials on campus. Board Member Heather Felton cautioned against potential legal issues, referencing the Equality Florida v. DeSantis settlement, which protects LGBTQ+ students and educators. "We've got to make sure that they are handling all of this," Felton said, emphasizing the need for compliance with established law. The district's attorneys will guide the policy's development based on the board's discussions.

 

Bradenton.com

The Glades County School District is facing severe financial difficulties, being one of only two districts in the state labeled as broke. Superintendent Alice Beth Barfield requested emergency financial assistance in a letter to the State Board of Education, highlighting that the district's general fund balance fell below 2% in April 2025. Consequently, the district cut $1.4m from its budget, including 31 positions, as it heads into the 2025-2026 school year. Florida's Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, expressed concern over the district's deteriorating financial condition, stating: "The district does not appear to have sufficient resources to meet its ongoing financial obligations." A financial emergency board has been established to oversee the district's spending, and Barfield remains optimistic about collaborating with the state to improve the district's financial stability.

 

WINK News

New records have emerged detailing the investigation into Leslie Fletcher, a teacher at Madison County High School, who was reassigned after using a racial slur in front of students. The incident occurred on February 24 during a dual enrollment class, where Fletcher confronted students about the accusation and repeated the slur. The district issued a formal reprimand, reassigned her to non-student contact duties, and mandated professional development. Investigators concluded that her actions demonstrated a lapse in professional conduct, causing emotional distress and escalating tensions on campus. Superintendent Dr. Karen Pickles described the language as "unacceptable," emphasizing it contradicts the district's core values. Alberta Jones, the mother of a student who recorded the incident, expressed concern for her daughter's well-being, stating: "It's traumatizing really."  

 

Tallahassee News

In a serious incident in Sumter County, a school bus driver was terminated after driving over train tracks while a train was approaching, endangering 30 students on board. Sumter County Superintendent Logan Brown emphasized the importance of trust in student transportation, stating: "The trust that our families place in us to transport their children safely is something we take extremely seriously." Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the situation was described as a near-catastrophe. The crash happened on April 2, when the train clipped the bus at a marked crossing. Brown praised the train conductor for his actions, saying, "Based on everything we know, he did everything he was supposed to do, and in my view, he's a hero in this situation." The district is now focused on ensuring the safety of its students.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

In Loxahatchee, a rally organized by the Classroom Teachers Association brought together teachers, students, parents, and local leaders to oppose a proposed hyperscale data center, known as "Project Tango," near Saddle View Elementary School. Representative Meg Weinburger expressed concerns about the absence of a nearby fire station, stating: "I think it’s very important for us to pay attention." Congressional candidate Victoria Doyle echoed these sentiments, urging the Palm Beach County Commission to reject the project, calling it "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Attendees voiced worries about noise pollution affecting students' learning and well-being, with Classroom Teachers Association President Gordon Longhofer warning that such facilities could impair memory and academic performance. The commission is set to vote on the proposal on April 23, and organizers are advocating for a delay to gather more information on its potential impacts.

 

WPTV

A new contracting model for classroom technology ties part of vendor payment to whether students meet agreed learning benchmarks, rather than simply to license purchases. A report from Digital Promise and the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting says this can sharply increase actual usage, with some pilot districts meeting dosage targets for up to 95% of students while traditional contracts leave more than 65% of licenses unused. Brittany Miller, executive director of the center, said the model forces systemwide focus: “Prioritize this.” The approach also pushes districts to buy fewer, more purposeful tools.

 

The 74 (Online)

The Trump administration is proposing major changes to college oversight rules that would tie federal funding to political and economic priorities, significantly expanding federal influence over universities through the accreditation system. The Department of Education’s plan would require accrediting bodies to consider factors such as tuition levels and graduates’ earnings when approving programs for federal aid, while also aligning eligibility for funding with White House priorities, including limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and encouraging ideological diversity among faculty. The proposals would also make it easier for new accrediting organizations to gain federal recognition, increasing competition in the sector. At the same time, the federal government would gain greater authority to revoke recognition from accrediting agencies that fail to enforce the new guidelines, giving policymakers a more direct lever over colleges’ access to federal funding. Officials view accreditation as a key mechanism to reshape higher education after other policy efforts, including negotiations with elite universities, stalled. The changes build on a broader push to overhaul the accreditation system, which plays a central role in determining whether institutions qualify for federal student aid. A policy committee is expected to review and refine the proposals later this month.

 

Bloomberg

Inside Higher Ed

Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak that has resulted in over 100 child fatalities in less than a month. In response, the government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and UNICEF, has initiated emergency vaccinations for children aged six months to five years in 18 high-risk districts. Rana Flowers, UNICEF's representative in Bangladesh, expressed concern over the rising cases, particularly among under-vaccinated children. The health minister attributed the outbreak to past government mismanagement of vaccine stockpiles. Authorities urge parents to seek hospital care for suspected measles cases.

 

U.S. News