Latest news with #EducationCommittee
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Columbia University agrees to $221 million settlement with the Trump admin
** This article was updated on July 23, 2025, at 10:40 p.m. to include a comment from Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) Columbia University has reached a deal with the Trump administration, part of which stipulates that the university will pay the federal government over $220 million, according to a Wednesday announcement. 'While Columbia does not admit to wrongdoing with this resolution agreement, the institution's leaders have recognized, repeatedly, that Jewish students and faculty have experienced painful, unacceptable incidents and that reform was and is needed,' the institution said. What's in the deal? As part of the deal, the 'vast majority' of the $400 million in federal grants Columbia had been approved for that were terminated or paused in March 2025 will be reinstated, according to the institution. The agreement also guarantees that the university will have access to future federal funding. 'Importantly, the agreement preserves Columbia's autonomy and authority over faculty hiring, admissions and academic decision-making,' the university said. The battle between the Trump administration and Columbia began when the institution was issued an ultimatum in March. Federal officials told the university it must abide by a list of requirements they had laid out for it or risk jeopardizing its 'continued financial relationship with the United States government.' The institution responded by agreeing to implement a series of policy changes. Most recently, Columbia announced that students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations would face expulsion or suspension for one to three years, as well as probation and degree revocations. 'This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty. The settlement was carefully crafted to protect the values that define us and allow our essential research partnership with the federal government to get back on track. Importantly, it safeguards our independence, a critical condition for academic excellence and scholarly exploration, work that is vital to the public interest,' said Claire Shipman, Columbia's acting president. Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) said in a statement that the 'need' for a federal settlement shows the university's 'lack of institutional willingness to effectively respond to antisemitism.' 'This school and its so-called leaders have failed time and time again to keep Jewish students, faculty, and staff safe. True progress requires universities to confront antisemitism proactively, in partnership with affected communities. We will closely monitor Columbia's purported commitment to this agreement and continue to develop legislative solutions to address antisemitism,' he said. The university will pay a $200 million settlement over three years and $21 million to settle investigations brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the institution said. Additionally, a 'jointly selected independent monitor' will assess the implementation of the resolution, and the university will provide regular reports to demonstrate that they are adhering to the deal. Read more: Columbia expels, suspends students who participated in pro-Palestine protests The settlement between Columbia and the Trump administration comes as Harvard University discusses its own deal with federal officials. As talks continue, Harvard's two lawsuits against the federal government are progressing through the court system. One lawsuit targets the cutting of over $2.6 billion in federal funding to the institution, while the other challenges the administration's attempts to revoke the university's ability to host international students. What has happened between Columbia and the Trump admin? In April 2024, Columbia's student protests against the war in Gaza garnered international media coverage, especially after a protest encampment took over a campus building. After taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration criticized Columbia's response to the protests and issued a series of demands. The university later agreed to implement a list of policy changes, including the adoption of a new definition of antisemitism and an overhaul of its rules for student protests. It also consented to an immediate review of its Middle Eastern studies department. Later this spring, the Trump administration sent Harvard a similar list of demands, leading to pushback from the institution through its two lawsuits. Quickly following in Harvard's footsteps, Columbia pledged not to make any agreement with the federal government that would 'relinquish our independence and autonomy,' according to a message from the university's president. The Trump administration has also targeted individual protesters such as Mahmoud Khalil — a lawful U.S. resident who, until December 2024, was a graduate student at Columbia. Khalil was detained in March for engaging in pro-Palestinian protests and faced potential deportation. He is now suing the Trump administration. Read more: Threatened deportation of Columbia activist sends shockwaves through Mass. higher ed In the months since the Trump administration first sent Columbia its list of demands, federal officials have not eased pressure on the university to give in to its agenda. In June, the U.S. Department of Education threatened to rescind Columbia's accreditation, citing an inadequate response by the university to campus antisemitism. The U.S. Department of Education also announced it would investigate Columbia for failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Six Massachusetts institutions were also named in the investigation. 'Today's agreement with the federal government affirms Columbia's unyielding commitment to academic freedom, freedom of expression and open inquiry. It confirms the changes already underway at Columbia to meaningfully address antisemitism on our campus and allows the University to continue to undertake its transformative research and scholarship,' said Board of Trustees Co-Chairs David Greenwald and Jeh Johnson. More Higher Ed State Department announces investigation into Harvard international visas Brandeis gets tax-free $135 million bond for new residence hall Columbia expels, suspends students who participated in pro-Palestine protests 'That Harvard education is paying off for you': Judge jabs at Trump lawyer in Harvard case As Harvard faces federal funding cuts, its medical school secures new donations Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dalat a model for rural education success, says Fatimah
Fatimah (centre) presents a financial study aid to a student in Dalat today. DALAT (July 16): Dalat is fast becoming a model of success in Sarawak's rural education efforts, where strategic, data-driven policies are being used to tackle poverty and widen access to higher learning. State Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the Dalat constituency has shown that well-targeted financial aid and strong community involvement can transform lives and strengthen local development. She revealed that Since 2010, the Dalat Education Committee has disbursed RM952,050 in aid, benefitting over 1,800 students pursuing certificate, diploma, degree and other higher education programmes. 'This is not just financial assistance, this is an investment in our children's future and in Dalat's socio-economic development. 'Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and we must ensure that every child who earns a place at university has the means to go,' she said during the N.56 Dalat Education Committee Assistance Presentation Ceremony at the Dalat Service Centre here today. Fatimah said the aid, drawn from Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocations, aims to reduce the financial burden on families—particularly for upfront costs such as travel, deposits and essential supplies. 'Sometimes students don't even enrol because of financial constraints, even after receiving a university offer. That should never happen,' she said. Looking ahead, Fatimah announced that her ministry will meet this week with the State Development Office (SDO) and local community leaders to verify and update national poverty data under the eKasih system for Dalat. 'This is to ensure that our aid reaches the right people. We don't want outdated or inaccurate data. We'll work with village chiefs and community leaders to clean the list and identify those truly in need,' she said. She noted that this grassroots verification method had been effective in addressing hardcore poverty, and would now be applied to target relative poverty in the district. Fatimah also expressed concern about the rising number of unemployed graduates returning home, saying many had pursued fields that are no longer in demand. To address this mismatch, she said the Sarawak government will begin offering free higher education at state-owned institutions starting in 2026, but only for courses with strong job prospects such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), law, and finance. 'Graduates must not only obtain degrees, they must be employable. This is why we are focused on guiding students toward fields with strong job prospects,' she said. She also revealed that her team is working with the Resident's Office to identify unemployed graduates in Dalat, with plans to organise a job fair or training initiatives in collaboration with agencies such as the Social Security organisation (Perkeso). Among the education assistance available is the Sarawak Special Financial Aid of RM1,200 per year disbursed in two instalments via Yayasan Sarawak. Graduates who return to Sarawak after completing their studies are also eligible for a one-off RM300 grant, claimable twice. Fatimah urged all eligible students to apply, while reminding them of the sacrifices made by their families. 'We eat simply so our children can dream big. We hope our students remember this and stay motivated to succeed, not only for themselves but for their families and community,' she said. She reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to ensuring fair access to education and creating meaningful opportunities for rural youth. 'This is a long-term investment in Dalat's future. We want our children to succeed, come back, contribute, and lift their families and our community to greater heights,' she said. Dalat fatimah abdullah rural education
Axios
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Infighting, drama weigh on City-County Council as budget looms
The Indianapolis City-County Council is in turmoil as it approaches a critical point in the calendar. Why it matters: The city is about to enter its budget-writing season — important work that affects everyone who lives and works in Indianapolis that could be made more difficult or overshadowed by infighting and continued allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. The latest: Councilor Keith Graves has stepped down as the chair of the Education Committee amid allegations of physical and sexual assault in new reporting from IndyStar. He has denied the allegations. Catch up quick: Graves is the latest in a string of city leaders to be accused of inappropriate conduct. Concerns about Mayor Joe Hogsett 's texting behavior with some staffers emerged during the investigation of sexual harassment allegations against his former deputy, Thomas Cook. An investigation by an outside firm uncovered a "professionally inappropriate" workplace culture inside the City-County building. State of play: Last week, Councilor Crista Carlino announced she was leaving the council's Democratic caucus after weeks of tension and internal conflict. Carlino is one of four councilors who have called on Hogsett to resign. She was also one of four council members who supported Councilor Jesse Brown's failed effort last week to oust council President Vop Osili and Vice President Ali Brown from their leadership positions following a dramatic meeting last month in which Lauren Roberts, one of Cook's accusers, was forcibly removed for going over the public-comment time limit. The intrigue: No council Republican has called for Hogsett to resign.
South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Long road ahead to improve children's social care, MPs warn
The Education Committee noted a steep increase in the number of looked-after children in England in the past decade, up by a fifth since 2014 to 83,630 in 2024. Shortages of care placements led to 45% of looked-after children being placed outside of their local authority last year, and 22% moved more than 20 miles from home, MPs said, with 'distressing impacts' felt as a result. The committee's report also noted almost four in 10 (39%) care leavers aged 19–21 are not in education, training or employment, compared to 13% of all young people in that age group, while a third of care leavers become homeless within two years of leaving care. Committee chairwoman Helen Hayes branded the situation a 'moral failure'. She said: 'It is unacceptable that thousands of young people leaving care are being left to face homelessness, unemployment or barriers to education – it is a moral failure. 'The system that should be supporting our most vulnerable children is far too often abandoning them at a critical moment in their lives. Urgent action is needed to fix this broken system and give all of our young people the futures they deserve. 'Throughout this inquiry we heard that a false economy of cuts over the past decade has led to postcode lotteries in provision across different areas of the country, and has instead caused some parts of the system to become more expensive.' The report called for Government funding to be directed back into early intervention services, which Ms Hayes said 'reduce both children's suffering and costs in the long run', and to provide a so-called National Care Offer covering a guaranteed level of support for those leaving care as opposed to a 'cliff edge as they approach adulthood'. She added: 'There is a long road ahead to improve the children's social care sector, but doing so will reduce children's suffering and produce a system that helps give young people the best chance to live happily and independently.' The report's publication on Thursday coincided with changes coming into effect which the Government said will give care leavers greater access to social housing. The requirement for vulnerable groups including care leavers to have a connection to the local area has been lifted, meaning they will 'no longer be unfairly penalised', the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said. Also on Thursday, the Department for Education (DfE) announced more than £53 million would be invested in creating 200 new placements in high-quality council-run homes for the most vulnerable children including those who need to be prevented from running away or from harming themselves and others. The Government said this was the first time it had specifically targeted funding at children with complex needs who are at risk of being deprived of their liberty. The DfE said the investment is part of its reform plan for the sector, moving away from a crisis intervention approach to earlier prevention help, with more than £2 billion investment over the course of this parliament. The committee cited a number of reasons for the rise in the number of looked-after children, including less support for early intervention, greater poverty and cost-of-living pressures and an increase in the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The MPs said: 'The Government must address the factors outside the care system which are contributing to the rise in need and take action in its forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy to significantly reduce the number of children growing up in financial hardship.' The strategy is expected to be published in autumn, having been initially expected in spring. Among the committee's other recommendations were development of a new strategy to recruit foster carers and offer more support to kinship carers, and improved availability and quality of residential placements. The MPs also called for the DfE to issue a 'comprehensive response' to the 2022 Independent Review of Children's Social Care, which called for a 'radical reset' to improve the lives of children in care and their families by breaking the 'cycle of escalating need and crisis intervention'. The committee said national eligibility criteria for disabled children's social care should be introduced, noting there is currently a 'confusing 'postcode lottery' of support between local authorities'. Stephen Kingdom, campaign manager for the Disabled Children's Partnership, said the report shows disabled children, young people and their families 'are being failed by children's social care'. He added: 'Too often, families find that a system that should be supporting them is instead treating parents with suspicion. As a result, their needs are de-prioritised; they find themselves blamed and stigmatised; and what little help they do get only comes when they hit crisis point.' Care charity Become welcomed the committee's 'commitment to driving meaningful change' and putting young people's voices 'at the heart of these recommendations'. Harriet Edwards, from national disability charity Sense, backed the report's recommendations 'so all disabled children are treated fairly, no matter where they live', stating that 'for too long disabled children have been failed by a confusing social care system that is not fit for purpose'. Children and families minister Janet Daby said the children's social care system had 'faced years of drift and neglect, leading to a vicious cycle of late intervention and children falling through the cracks'. The Government had previously announced a pledge from Government for a 'backstop' law, which would limit the profit children's social care providers can make, to be brought in if providers do not voluntarily put an end to profiteering. Ms Daby: 'Through our Plan for Change and our Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, this Government is enabling every child to achieve and thrive by investing in the places children need, cracking down on profiteering with new laws, and rebuilding family support services so parents and carers get the help they need to keep their children happy and safe in loving homes.'
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Long road ahead to improve children's social care, MPs warn
The Education Committee noted a steep increase in the number of looked-after children in England in the past decade, up by a fifth since 2014 to 83,630 in 2024. Shortages of care placements led to 45% of looked-after children being placed outside of their local authority last year, and 22% moved more than 20 miles from home, MPs said, with 'distressing impacts' felt as a result. The committee's report also noted almost four in 10 (39%) care leavers aged 19–21 are not in education, training or employment, compared to 13% of all young people in that age group, while a third of care leavers become homeless within two years of leaving care. Committee chairwoman Helen Hayes branded the situation a 'moral failure'. She said: 'It is unacceptable that thousands of young people leaving care are being left to face homelessness, unemployment or barriers to education – it is a moral failure. 'The system that should be supporting our most vulnerable children is far too often abandoning them at a critical moment in their lives. Urgent action is needed to fix this broken system and give all of our young people the futures they deserve. 'Throughout this inquiry we heard that a false economy of cuts over the past decade has led to postcode lotteries in provision across different areas of the country, and has instead caused some parts of the system to become more expensive.' The report called for Government funding to be directed back into early intervention services, which Ms Hayes said 'reduce both children's suffering and costs in the long run', and to provide a so-called National Care Offer covering a guaranteed level of support for those leaving care as opposed to a 'cliff edge as they approach adulthood'. She added: 'There is a long road ahead to improve the children's social care sector, but doing so will reduce children's suffering and produce a system that helps give young people the best chance to live happily and independently.' The report's publication on Thursday coincided with changes coming into effect which the Government said will give care leavers greater access to social housing. The requirement for vulnerable groups including care leavers to have a connection to the local area has been lifted, meaning they will 'no longer be unfairly penalised', the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said. Also on Thursday, the Department for Education (DfE) announced more than £53 million would be invested in creating 200 new placements in high-quality council-run homes for the most vulnerable children including those who need to be prevented from running away or from harming themselves and others. The Government said this was the first time it had specifically targeted funding at children with complex needs who are at risk of being deprived of their liberty. The DfE said the investment is part of its reform plan for the sector, moving away from a crisis intervention approach to earlier prevention help, with more than £2 billion investment over the course of this parliament. The committee cited a number of reasons for the rise in the number of looked-after children, including less support for early intervention, greater poverty and cost-of-living pressures and an increase in the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The MPs said: 'The Government must address the factors outside the care system which are contributing to the rise in need and take action in its forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy to significantly reduce the number of children growing up in financial hardship.' The strategy is expected to be published in autumn, having been initially expected in spring. Among the committee's other recommendations were development of a new strategy to recruit foster carers and offer more support to kinship carers, and improved availability and quality of residential placements. The MPs also called for the DfE to issue a 'comprehensive response' to the 2022 Independent Review of Children's Social Care, which called for a 'radical reset' to improve the lives of children in care and their families by breaking the 'cycle of escalating need and crisis intervention'. The committee said national eligibility criteria for disabled children's social care should be introduced, noting there is currently a 'confusing 'postcode lottery' of support between local authorities'. Stephen Kingdom, campaign manager for the Disabled Children's Partnership, said the report shows disabled children, young people and their families 'are being failed by children's social care'. He added: 'Too often, families find that a system that should be supporting them is instead treating parents with suspicion. As a result, their needs are de-prioritised; they find themselves blamed and stigmatised; and what little help they do get only comes when they hit crisis point.' Care charity Become welcomed the committee's 'commitment to driving meaningful change' and putting young people's voices 'at the heart of these recommendations'. Harriet Edwards, from national disability charity Sense, backed the report's recommendations 'so all disabled children are treated fairly, no matter where they live', stating that 'for too long disabled children have been failed by a confusing social care system that is not fit for purpose'. Children and families minister Janet Daby said the children's social care system had 'faced years of drift and neglect, leading to a vicious cycle of late intervention and children falling through the cracks'. The Government had previously announced a pledge from Government for a 'backstop' law, which would limit the profit children's social care providers can make, to be brought in if providers do not voluntarily put an end to profiteering. Ms Daby: 'Through our Plan for Change and our Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, this Government is enabling every child to achieve and thrive by investing in the places children need, cracking down on profiteering with new laws, and rebuilding family support services so parents and carers get the help they need to keep their children happy and safe in loving homes.'
