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Florida rule would limit talk of ‘social issues’ at public universities
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https://www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
A proposed ..."
Guess the NAZIS in Florida would probably thus make any university courses on say Holocaust literature illegal, and indeed, most courses on 20th and 21st century literature especially by women authors and/or ethnic minorities would likely also be illegal if it is even remotely questioning etc. But in my opinion, it is also up to professors to fight against this (even if it means job loss etc.) for if they do not fight back, they are part of the problem.
message 3:
by
QNPoohBear, Minister of the Unapproved Written Word
(last edited Oct 25, 2023 12:57PM)
(new)
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Social issues are defined as “topics that polarize or divide society among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms.”
“I can’t think of anything that doesn’t,” said Gerard Solis, general counsel for the University of South Florida. Speaking to USF’s faculty senate on Thursday, he questioned whether that wording could prohibit commentary surrounding events like Black History Month or even American Pharmacists Month, which is observed in October.
The document is “absolutely horrific” and goes beyond what the legislation required, said Andrew Gothard, president of United Faculty of Florida, the statewide faculty union.
“It limits ways for students to be active members of society and speak their minds, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum,” he said.
Danaya Wright, chairperson of the University of Florida’s faculty senate, questioned whether research on breast cancer or gynecological treatments would be allowed based on the language of the draft, because it involves spending in a way that classifies individuals by sex.
She also suggested that recent statements by university presidents regarding the Israel-Hamas war might violate the proposed regulation."
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But universities should be allowing controversial topics, even if they are uncomfortable. That is what universities are for.
Supposedly, Ron DeSantis got his degree at Harvard. And frankly, what he is proposing goes so far against what a university stands for that Harvard should seriously consider very publicly taking ALL of his university degrees away.
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message 6:
by
Kelly (Maybedog), Minister of Illicit Reading
(last edited Nov 02, 2023 10:29PM)
(new)
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If your foster son really thinks that all colleges and universities collectively promote Socialism and the like, he is at best naive and has likely not set foot in them, as especially in Western Europe and in Canada (and also in the USA for that matter), universities can be either liberal or conservative and that the best universities are in fact mixtures of both. You should use that as an argument and also tell your foster son that universities being mandated to adhere to one or a limited political and economic agenda is a sign not just of extreme Fascism but also of rabid Communism (in other words Stalinism). And indeed, if your foster son wants universities and colleges mandated to teach students in one specific way, yes, that would also politically make him a Stalinist, a Communist (and that people like Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump and company often do show politically Soviet style attitudes and should be called out and actively shamed and denigrated for this).
Kelly H. (Maybedog) wrote: "One of my foster sons and I argue all the time because he's convinced that pretty much all universities brainwash people into being liberals. [...]"he has it partly right and partly wrong. yes, most US universities, the Ivy League especially, teach what they call critical theory a.k.a. intersectionality a.k.a. Critical Social Justice (CSJ). but I wouldn't call them liberals. CSJ has contempt for liberals, though they will play along to the extent of getting them to help advocates of CSJ. because of cultural presuppositions, liberals fall for it.
pick up Cynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen Pluckrose or America's Cultural Revolution by Christopher Rufo.
I knew college kids, who largely went to Boston University, in the early '90s, who thought like this, though they had more empathy, sense of humor and less black-and-white thinking.
it would interest you to known that Harvard currently has the worst free speech rating in the country. as I said, CSJ has taken over most strongly in the Ivy League.
https://www.thefire.org/news/harvard-...
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he has it partly ri..."
I forgot to say that I read that right after you posted it and now I've been following the news about Harvard. It's appalling.
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Kelly H. (Maybedog) wrote: "There is so much corruption going on at Harvard right now from the students to the administration."I live riiiight around the corner from the place. I wouldn't exactly call myself a fan, of the college at least.
as of last year, Harvard had the worst free speech record in the nation, according to FIRE.
https://www.thefire.org/news/harvard-...
note that this report came out before the controversy following October 7. not sure whether that made free speech better or worse there..
https://www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
A proposed regulation aimed at restricting diversity programs and social activism at Florida’s public universities has stirred confusion, with some saying its broadly worded passages could limit free speech.
The regulation, when approved, will determine how the state enforces the law known as Senate Bill 266, a measure pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that seeks to gut diversity, equity and inclusion programs at colleges and universities.
A draft version being circulated for feedback says in part that universities may not spend public money on activities that “advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion” or “promote or engage in political or social activism.”
It says political or social activism is “any activity organized with a purpose of effecting or preventing change to a government policy, action, or function, or any activity intended to achieve a desired result related to social issues, where the university endorses or promotes a position in communications, advertisements, programs, or campus activities.”
Social issues are defined as “topics that polarize or divide society among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms.”
“I can’t think of anything that doesn’t,” said Gerard Solis, general counsel for the University of South Florida. Speaking to USF’s faculty senate on Thursday, he questioned whether that wording could prohibit commentary surrounding events like Black History Month or even American Pharmacists Month, which is observed in October.
The document is “absolutely horrific” and goes beyond what the legislation required, said Andrew Gothard, president of United Faculty of Florida, the statewide faculty union.
“It limits ways for students to be active members of society and speak their minds, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum,” he said.
The regulation makes exceptions for student-led organizations; certain activities by schools, such as lobbying; and activities where following the state law would jeopardize federal funding or accreditation.
It also says access programs may remain for military veterans, recipients of the federal Pell Grant for college, first-generation college students, nontraditional students, “2+2″ transfer students from the Florida College System, students from low-income families or students with intellectual disabilities.
The regulation takes aim at the concept of equity by prohibiting schools from “manipulating, or attempting to manipulate, the status of an individual or group to equalize or increase outcomes, participation or representation as compared to other individuals or groups; or advancing the premise or position that a group or an individual’s action is inherently, unconsciously, or implicitly biased.”
In targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, it defines them as “any program, activity, or policy that promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals, or classifies such individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.”
The document must be approved by the Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System. The board and its committees will convene on Nov. 8 and 9, and the public will have 14 days after that to comment on the regulation.