Ohio Teachers File Lawsuit Against Universal Voucher Program

Ohio teachers are taking action against the state’s universal voucher entitlement program, claiming it is unconstitutional and will have detrimental effects on public education. Under recent changes to the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship Program, all families, regardless of income, are now eligible to apply for over $8,000 in vouchers per child to cover private school tuition. Critics argue that this will divert $1 billion per year in taxpayer money away from public schools, posing a significant challenge to their funding. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and accountability for private schools receiving taxpayer funds is a cause for concern.

The lawsuit, which is expected to proceed later this month, has garnered support from nearly a third of Ohio’s public school districts. Supporters of vouchers argue that they provide more options for families, but opponents emphasize the unequal distribution of resources and the potential compromises in education quality caused by the program.

Pennsylvania Celebrates Banned Book Week with Bookmobile

In honor of Banned Book Week, Pennsylvania is hosting the “Banned Books Tour” bookmobile. Pennsylvania ranks third among states with the highest number of banned books, according to PEN America. The bookmobile will make a stop at the Helen S. Faison Arts Academy in Homewood, where over 1,000 free books will be distributed to students.

The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers president, Nina Esposito-Visgitis, expressed excitement for the bookmobile’s visit and highlighted the negative impact of banning books on teaching and students’ intellectual growth. The tour includes thought-provoking discussions, author talks, and readings from banned books, providing an opportunity for students to engage with literature that has often been suppressed.

First Annual Student Leadership Summit Empowers Young Advocates

Children Now, a nonprofit organization, is hosting the first annual Student Leadership Summit, an online gathering for high school and college students in California. The summit, taking place over the weekend, focuses on issues such as gun violence, mental health, education equity, and climate justice.

Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, emphasized the importance of amplifying youth voices in shaping change. The event is open to students aged 13 to 22, as well as adults interested in supporting young advocates. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with student leaders from various organizations and engage in discussions on key policy issues.

Controversy Surrounds School Board Elections in Minnesota

Upcoming school board elections in Minnesota are garnering attention due to candidates with controversial platforms, particularly regarding curriculum limitations on topics like race. Labor and advocacy groups are expressing concern about the influence of “culture war” issues in these races.

Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota, highlighted instances of book challenges in Bloomington public schools and the need to address these attempts to limit access to diverse literature. There are ongoing debates about the focus of education and whether issues such as gender identity and diversity should be part of the curriculum.

While the Democratic majorities in Minnesota make it unlikely for restrictions on curriculum to be adopted, a coalition of organizations is committed to raising awareness about these candidates’ views and the potential impact on local enforcement of anti-bullying laws.