Become more informed in minutes....

A panel of three federal appellate judges has declared a Louisiana law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms unconstitutional. The ruling, which is being seen as a significant victory for civil liberties advocates, emphasizes that the law infringes on the separation of church and state, potentially alienating non-Christian students. The law, supported by Republicans including President Donald Trump, was challenged by parents from diverse religious backgrounds who argued it violated the First Amendment. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous decision by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who stated that the mandate should not be enforced. Legal experts anticipate that this case may reach the U.S. Supreme Court, testing the boundaries of religion in government.

 

Courthouse News Service

New York Times

U.S. News

Washington Post

Los Angeles USD is providing a virtual summer school option for families concerned about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Out of 90,000 students enrolled in the “Summer of Learning” program, 1,900 have chosen to attend virtually. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho commented: “That should not be the reality in our schools or our communities: separating families, instilling a culture and atmosphere of fear.” A Stanford study indicated that school attendance drops in areas affected by immigration raids. Carvalho also mentioned that ICE attempted to access two schools but was prevented by legal protections.

 

EdSource

On June 18, the Hackensack Board of Education appointed Andrea Oates-Parchment as acting superintendent following the suspension of Superintendent Thomas McBryde. Oates-Parchment, previously the assistant superintendent, has a background as a teacher and principal in the district. The board's decision to suspend McBryde was met with mixed reactions from parents and community members, with some expressing concerns about the impact on students. Board President Jennifer Harris said: “While I understand there may be questions, I must emphasize that state law prohibits me from publicly discussing the reasons behind this decision.” Oates-Parchment assured staff and parents of her commitment to providing quality education, adding: “My calling is to ensure that our kids receive what they need to have prosperity in life.” The board also appointed Mike Jones to fill a vacant trustee seat during the meeting.

 

New Jersey Herald

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated a lawsuit filed by Rachel Sager and Katie Medart, two educators from Grants Pass, Oregon, who were terminated for opposing District No. 7's gender identity policy. The court found that the school district failed to demonstrate a significant disruption to the educational environment that would justify the firing. The panel also allowed claims of religious discrimination and equal protection to proceed, reversing a previous dismissal by Oregon Magistrate Judge Mark D. Clarke. Sager and Medart argued they were retaliated against for exercising their free speech rights regarding gender identity and parental rights. Their attorney, Mathew W. Hoffmann, said: “The district's broad rule will stop teachers from speaking out about nearly any important issue.” The case highlights ongoing tensions between educational policies and individual rights.

 

The Oregonian

School Bus Logistics has introduced new features to its RouteHub platform, enhancing communication for school transportation. The updates include transportation forms and student incident reporting, aimed at improving efficiency and safety. The transportation forms simplify community communication, allowing parents to request bus stop changes and submit multiple forms for their children. The incident reporting feature provides an electronic record of interactions, including a video request button and a QR code for drivers to report incidents. The enhancements aim to streamline processes and improve accountability across the platform.

 

School Bus Fleet

Cincinnati Public Schools will transition 1,260 students, mainly seventh and eighth graders, to Cincinnati Metro buses as a cost-saving measure to address a $50m budget gap. This change is expected to save the district nearly $3m annually. Despite previous safety concerns regarding public transit, the district is collaborating with Metro to enhance safety measures, including adult supervision at transit centers. Chris Burkhardt, the district's chief operating officer, said: "Given our experience these past few years and the work our transportation team has done, I think this is a tough but right decision." The district aims to ensure that students feel safe while using public transportation, with resources available for families new to Metro.

 

Cincinnati Enquirer

Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for young people in Wisconsin, and across the U.S. Izzy Grob Polewski, a member of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort Youth Advisory Board, shared their experience of being targeted in a shooting incident, commenting: "It didn't affect me as much as I think it should, because I'm so desensitized to gun violence already. Violence happens all over Milwaukee, and so this event happening to me, it was horrible, and I hated it, but I've grown up with it." The mental health impacts of gun violence are profound, leading to anxiety, PTSD, and poor academic performance among youth. Dr. Kellie Snooks, a pediatric critical care physician, emphasizes that gun violence creates a unique anxiety in young people, manifesting in various ways. The K-12 School Shooting Database indicates a rise in school shootings since the pandemic, with Wisconsin experiencing an 80% increase in youth gun deaths from 2016 to 2023. Polewski and their peers are calling for stricter gun laws, expressing fear for their safety in schools. "We are begging for help," they said, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to address this public health crisis.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is preparing to present a referendum for constructing two new school buildings and renovating two existing ones, as stated by Superintendent Michael Simeck during a recent board meeting. The proposal includes new buildings for Walden and Wilmot Elementary, while Kipling and South Park Elementary will undergo renovations. A 32-person task force, which included board members, staff, and community partners, recommended “Plan A,” which involves both new constructions and renovations. The board will discuss the referendum on July 14, with a detailed presentation scheduled for July 24, covering various aspects such as facility challenges and tax impact. Community feedback will also be sought later this year. However, Simeck did not provide any cost estimates for the proposed projects.

 

Chicago Tribune

Billings Public Schools (BPS) is transitioning to Chartwells as its new food service provider, replacing Sodexo after 30 years. The decision was made following an assessment that rated Chartwells highest among four bidders. BPS chief financial officer Laurie Kvamme said: “We thought that Chartwells presented a better option in that respect,” emphasizing the goal of providing wholesome lunches for students. Meal prices will remain unchanged, and most current staff will continue under Chartwells. The new provider will start serving meals in July, with a variety of options planned for students. Despite the change, Kvamme assured that “there's no changes for any of the students,” maintaining existing lunch balances. The switch comes after a parent survey indicated a desire for improved food quality and variety. Sodexo expressed disappointment over the decision, with district manager Brad Wall noting: “It feels we're being judged over one hour of a presentation compared to 30 years of a great partnership.”

 

Billings Gazette

A new class at Browning High School and Buffalo Hide Academy on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana teaches students about heavy metal music while addressing suicide prevention. Over 18 weeks, students analyze music videos, write songs, and engage with professional musicians, all while discussing trauma and grief. Instructor Charlie Speicher emphasizes the importance of confronting darkness through art, explaining: “It provides us with the tools to be able to deal, to face our anguish and not just be a prisoner to it.” The class culminates in the Fire in the Mountains festival, which supports suicide prevention programs. With Montana facing high suicide rates, especially in tribal communities, this innovative approach aims to foster healing and connection among students.

 

U.S. News

The Hope Squad, a student-led suicide prevention initiative at Reagan High School in Milwaukee, is making a significant impact on students' mental health. Junior Caroline Hertig noted that the blue and yellow T-shirts worn by members signal to peers that “they don't have to struggle alone.” Since its inception in 2022, the program has reportedly led to no suicides at the school, according to Milwaukee Public Schools spokesperson Stephen Davis. However, funding for such programs has faced cuts, with Republican lawmakers removing $250,000 in annual grants for peer-to-peer suicide prevention. Gov. Tony Evers expressed confusion over this decision, stating, “That is something that's very, very supported locally.” The Hope Squad provides essential support, helping students navigate challenges like bullying and anxiety, and fostering a community where they feel safe to discuss their feelings. As Hertig said, “It's always OK to talk about how you're feeling.”

 

Billings Gazette

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students. Burroughs directed the administration to “immediately” prepare guidance to restore visa holders and applicants to their previous status. The ruling prevents the administration from altering Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The administration is expected to appeal the decision. Harvard's attorney, Ian Heath Gershenger, criticized the administration for “using international students as pawns,” while the Department of Justice cited national security concerns. The ongoing conflict has drawn criticism and support from various quarters, including a group of over 12,000 Harvard alumni who described the funding freeze as a “reckless and unlawful” attempt to control the university. Later on Friday, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that his administration has been "working closely with Harvard,", adding: "They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right. If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be "mindbogglingly" HISTORIC, and very good for our Country."

 

CNN Edition

CNBC

New York Times

The Trump administration has initiated lawsuits against Texas and Kentucky, challenging laws that permit undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. This legal action raises concerns about the future of similar policies in California, where undocumented students have benefited from in-state tuition since 2001. Kevin R. Johnson, dean of the UC Davis Law School, said: “We are just waiting to see when it's California's turn,” indicating that the administration may target California's law next. The lawsuits have left many undocumented students, like Osmar Enríquez, uncertain about their educational futures, as the difference in tuition rates can be substantial. The Justice Department argues that these state laws violate federal law, which prohibits providing benefits to undocumented individuals that are not available to U.S. citizens. As legal challenges mount, the fate of in-state tuition for undocumented students hangs in the balance.

 

Los Angeles Times