The Trump administration’s decision to slash 50% of the Education Department’s workforce has ignited fierce debate, with advocates praising decentralization and critics warning of severe consequences. The cuts have crippled research, civil rights oversight, and special education compliance, leaving key functions in disarray. As federal oversight diminishes, the future of American education hangs in uncertainty.
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California State University has revised its "Young Males of Color Consortium" program, making it open to all students after a complaint accused the university of violating Title IX. The program, originally intended to support men of color, was found to unlawfully exclude White men, raising concerns over racial and sex-based discrimination. Following a federal investigation, CSU ended the exclusionary policy, signaling a key move in aligning with civil rights laws in higher education.
Canada’s Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) program is undergoing significant changes, effective January 21, 2025. Spouses of international students in select graduate and professional programs now qualify, while those of undergraduate students no longer do. Similarly, spouses of foreign workers must meet stricter criteria, with eligibility linked to specific occupations. New rules also limit dependent children's eligibility and impose processing delays.
A New Hampshire elementary school temporarily closed after hundreds of hibernating bats were discovered inside. The issue was identified after staff reported feeling unwell, leading to an inspection of Richards Elementary School. Bats were found in ceiling tiles and gaps around pipes. The school is taking action by sealing entry points and monitoring the situation every two weeks. A bat eviction process will begin in March, while the school is set to reopen on Tuesday.
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) begins registration for the DElEd 2025 examination, with the deadline set for January 22, 2025. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria and the exam is scheduled for February 27, 2025. Reserved seats are available for Urdu teachers and candidates with disabilities.
The US Department of Education is investigating whether transgender support policies in five Northern Virginia school districts violate Title IX and a Trump-era executive order. The probe could impact policies in over 400 schools regarding transgender student rights, including the use of chosen names, pronouns, and access to facilities.
The Kerala General Education Department has filed a police complaint against a YouTuber who allegedly encouraged students to skip school to "avoid wasting time" before upcoming public exams. Education Minister V Sivankutty emphasized that meeting attendance requirements is crucial for exam eligibility. The minister directed officials to take immediate action, ensuring students remain committed to their studies.
The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell has released the MHT CET 2025 admit card for the PCB group on April 3. Candidates can download their hall tickets from cetcell.mahacet.org using their registered credentials. The PCB group exam will be held from April 9 to 17, while the PCM group test is scheduled from April 19 to 27.
Canada has seen a surge in Indian students, with 427,000 enrolled in 2024. However, nearly 20,000 have gone "missing," often due to fraudulent colleges or misuse of student visas. Some students unknowingly enroll in fake institutions, while others enter Canada on study permits but prioritize work over education, aiming for financial stability or permanent residency.
New York lawmakers are challenging Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban in schools. The Senate's budget resolution, released on March 11, 2025, seeks to give school districts more flexibility in enforcing phone restrictions. While the governor remains firm on the proposal, arguing it's necessary for student focus, lawmakers are pushing for a compromise, emphasizing local control and the importance of allowing flexibility in non-instructional time.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has extended winter holidays for schools in the Valley and winter zone areas of the Jammu division due to inclement weather. Minister Sakina Itoo announced that schools up to the higher secondary level will now reopen on March 7, 2025, instead of March 1, 2025.