I became a better human being and I would even say I unlocked my own potential for empathy, compassion, acceptance, and generosity by attending the University of Michigan. I grew up in a very small town with small town, and in some ways, small minded values. I absolutely believe the person I would become was set in motion by that fortunate opportunity and choice. The curriculum was wide open to me as an undergraduate, and the sky was the limit as far as opportunities to learn. Unfortunately, I only understand that now. At the time, I was only thinking about being careful, choosing courses that I felt would present an easier path to a degree. I did enjoy studying psychology and sociology, and almost pursued a career in psychology, which was probably a much better fit for me, had I taken it. Now I would choose different classes, but the culture there was about freedom of choice, freedom of expression and speech, and certainly not about assuring students they won’t be exposed to controversial or uncomfortable topics like gender identity.
The trick is to interpret it as extreme as you can and preface every statement with "According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: " and then stare at them for the rest of the year. Questions will be answered with "I am not at liberty to say."
Astronomy:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Stars are shiny lights."
Biology:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Life is beautiful."
Chemistry:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Some stuff can interact."
Maths:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Positive whole numbers exist."
Literature:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: At least one book has been written."
A college education is not only meant to prepare you for a career. It is also meant to prepare you for the real world, instead of keeping white cis men from believing they are superior. If this is how Texas and Florida consider a good education, their students will be in for a rude awakening when they enter the job market where merit takes precedence over whiteness. Actually their war on DEI will also help to keep privileged white Christian men to keep believing the propaganda they are being fed. In the long run they are doomed to fail. But of course they will blame “the other “ for their own failures.
I suppose it’s useless to point out that the same folks who complain about removing things that might offend other people are removing things that might offend 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.
Classically, odd numbers are "male" and even numbers are "female". In Texas, mathematicians who study numbers are going to have a problem. E.g., if you add 1 to a male number you get a female number. Or, if you add 1 to a female number you get a male number. Talk about transitioning! The math department is going to have to fire all its number theorists - or prohibit them from discussing addition.
"In Florida, it seems, broad categories of many things that are central to understanding human societies are no longer topics in sociology, at least not until you take upper division or graduate level classes, possibly in another state."
And good fucking luck getting admitted to said graduate programs in other states.
Admissions officer: "I'm sorry, <graduate applicant> but you will need to take remedial undergraduate courses for a year before we can consider your application."
One bit of information is that, in Texas, the governor makes all appointments to the board of regents for all state universities. The terms are for 6 years and are subject to the approval of the state senate. Governor Abbott has appointed all of the current members of the board of regents for the University of Texas System (which includes 9 schools and 5 (I think) medical schools). Abbott has been in the Governor’s office for so long that virtually every appointment has been made by him. It’s pretty damn sad what he’s done to the state schools, both the UT System and the Texas A&M System.
"This shit won’t last forever"
Upon what do you base this statement? Cock-eyed optimism?
I became a better human being and I would even say I unlocked my own potential for empathy, compassion, acceptance, and generosity by attending the University of Michigan. I grew up in a very small town with small town, and in some ways, small minded values. I absolutely believe the person I would become was set in motion by that fortunate opportunity and choice. The curriculum was wide open to me as an undergraduate, and the sky was the limit as far as opportunities to learn. Unfortunately, I only understand that now. At the time, I was only thinking about being careful, choosing courses that I felt would present an easier path to a degree. I did enjoy studying psychology and sociology, and almost pursued a career in psychology, which was probably a much better fit for me, had I taken it. Now I would choose different classes, but the culture there was about freedom of choice, freedom of expression and speech, and certainly not about assuring students they won’t be exposed to controversial or uncomfortable topics like gender identity.
The "heard testimony from the public" joke was exactly what I witnessed at the Redistricing hearings -- in person.
I thought we Wokey Libturds were supposed to be the ones all a-skeered of Controversy™. (Personally though, that's my favorite Prince song.)
Moms For Liberty can now helicopter over college students, using oversight as an excuse for reliving their sorority hookup days. Just watch.
The trick is to interpret it as extreme as you can and preface every statement with "According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: " and then stare at them for the rest of the year. Questions will be answered with "I am not at liberty to say."
Astronomy:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Stars are shiny lights."
Biology:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Life is beautiful."
Chemistry:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Some stuff can interact."
Maths:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: Positive whole numbers exist."
Literature:
"According to [law] I am only allowed to say this: At least one book has been written."
A college education is not only meant to prepare you for a career. It is also meant to prepare you for the real world, instead of keeping white cis men from believing they are superior. If this is how Texas and Florida consider a good education, their students will be in for a rude awakening when they enter the job market where merit takes precedence over whiteness. Actually their war on DEI will also help to keep privileged white Christian men to keep believing the propaganda they are being fed. In the long run they are doomed to fail. But of course they will blame “the other “ for their own failures.
I suppose it’s useless to point out that the same folks who complain about removing things that might offend other people are removing things that might offend 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.
"The policy does not define what qualifies as “controversial” or what constitutes a “broad and balanced approach."
We'll let you know where the line is after you've crossed it. Punishment to follow...
Classically, odd numbers are "male" and even numbers are "female". In Texas, mathematicians who study numbers are going to have a problem. E.g., if you add 1 to a male number you get a female number. Or, if you add 1 to a female number you get a male number. Talk about transitioning! The math department is going to have to fire all its number theorists - or prohibit them from discussing addition.
The jihad on Arabic numerals are next, with their shadowy supremo Al-Jabr’a as Target One.
Weapons of Math Instruction!
Ban math! It's trans propaganda!
I can't tell you what you're not allowed to teach. But I'll know it when I see it.
Fuck Trump.
‘I thought we were going to learn about the internet, and here we are talking about pornography.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTJvdGcb7Fs
A saying I was told long ago: "the Internet is full of pornography and lies, sir!"
I think I know which video that is so I won't open it while at work.
"In Florida, it seems, broad categories of many things that are central to understanding human societies are no longer topics in sociology, at least not until you take upper division or graduate level classes, possibly in another state."
And good fucking luck getting admitted to said graduate programs in other states.
Admissions officer: "I'm sorry, <graduate applicant> but you will need to take remedial undergraduate courses for a year before we can consider your application."
I wished I'd know that was a thing! I'd have my bachelor's degree if I hadn't been forced to pass all that controversial calculus stuff.
It covers "imaginary numbers", and says π isn't 3!
Texas: Come for the tax breaks, stay for the dumbed-down education, shitty infrastructure, and fascism!
One bit of information is that, in Texas, the governor makes all appointments to the board of regents for all state universities. The terms are for 6 years and are subject to the approval of the state senate. Governor Abbott has appointed all of the current members of the board of regents for the University of Texas System (which includes 9 schools and 5 (I think) medical schools). Abbott has been in the Governor’s office for so long that virtually every appointment has been made by him. It’s pretty damn sad what he’s done to the state schools, both the UT System and the Texas A&M System.