Academic Freedom
Last year, with the swoop of a pen, then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush effectively ended years of research by Florida academics in Cuba, including conservation efforts to protect biodiversity on reefs, and data collection on climate change, oil spills, and agricultural productivity.
The state’s new law bans faculty from teaching or conducting research in so-called “terrorist states,” establishing a dangerous precedent, says University of Florida professor Tom Auxter, president of the United Faculty of Florida.
“Imagine a state where people do not want to know what is currently happening in the countries that concern them most,” Auxter said. “[We’re] digging our academic grave with this legislation.”
Defending Diversity
In two current U.S. Supreme Court cases involving constitutional challenges to voluntary, race-conscious student assignment plans, NEA filed briefs in October that support the school districts.
“These districts are pushing forward and striving for more equitable and diverse schools,” says NEA President Reg Weaver.
The Court was expected to hear arguments in the cases in December, but a decision won’t be made until later this year.
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