Education
Biden administration provides guidance on diversity in college admissions
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice and Department of Education jointly released guidance on Monday to colleges and universities about how to consider race in admissions decisions, following the Supreme Court’s summer decision that struck down affirmative action in higher education. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, on a call with reporters, said higher education institutions can […]
More than 800 openings at Fort Wayne job fair, hosted by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks
One of the largest job fairs in northeast Indiana — hosted in part by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks — is expected to feature more than 70 employers and 800 job openings on Wednesday. Purdue University Fort Wayne and WorkOne Northeast — the region’s workforce development organization — are also helping to put together the job […]
Students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds.
Thousands of college students will get hundreds of dollars in compensation as colleges and universities move this summer to settle multimillion-dollar lawsuits stemming from canceled classes and activities during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. While some of the class-action suits against the colleges and universities are still in litigation, and still others dismissed, several major cases have […]
From prayer to books, Rokita updates ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita released a fourth edition of his ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ document Tuesday, outlining what Hoosier parents can do to “oversee and participate in the part of our children’s education that occurs outside of the home.” In a 30-minute live event broadcasted on Facebook, Rokita responded to submitted questions from the […]
‘We cannot afford to be complacent’: Chamber releases 2035 economic vision for state
Indiana’s influential Chamber of Commerce on Monday released its third long-term economic plan for the state — two years ahead of schedule, and as both Indiana and the chamber itself prepare for major leadership changes. The ambitious vision seeks to advance workforce, education, business climate, infrastructure, quality of place and health initiatives. “Indiana Prosperity 2035 […]
Tony Dungy nonprofit All Pro Dad gets state dollars but little scrutiny
The Florida-based nonprofit All Pro Dad is one of the few organizations explicitly funded by Indiana taxpayers with its own budget line item. But the state agency tasked with overseeing the contract, the Department of Child Services, sidestepped questions about administering the grant with the little-known entity, founded in 1997 by former Indianapolis Colts Coach […]
Judge denies injunction against elementary school ban on ‘human sexuality’ education
Elementary school teacher Kayla Smiley will begin a new academic year with Indianapolis Public Schools on July 31. And she’ll do it in accordance with a new state law that supporters say shields too-young children from sex education but that critics say could ban discussions about LGBTQ+ people in schools. That’s despite her efforts to […]
No more textbook fees for parents but some districts will see losses
Parents are getting a big win as their kids go back to school this year: no more textbook fees. But as the details unfold, school districts around the state are preparing for a shortfall between what the state is going to give them and what the actual costs are. Lawmakers, pushed by GOP Gov. Eric […]
Midway rides, fried food and livestock highlight the Indiana State Fair
From deep-fried corn to heightened public safety rules, here’s all Hoosiers need to know about this year’s Indiana State Fair. The fair begins Friday and goes through Aug. 20, although it will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Last year more than 837,000 people attended the event. This year, a new public safety rule will […]
More than 19,000 Hoosiers will get total student loan debt forgiveness under new Biden relief plan
More than 19,000 Hoosiers who borrowed federal student loans will have their remaining debt wiped out under the White House’s $39 billion debt relief plan. That’s according to new U.S. Department of Education data released Tuesday, which showed the number of borrowers who are eligible for automatic loan relief. The move is part of a […]
A ‘crisis’ of their own: Indiana school counselors detail overwhelming duties, pushing some out
Donning an apron and hair net, Haley Radomski had few breaks while dishing out samples of ice cream to a stream of treat-seeking customers on a Friday afternoon in June. She shuffled around the downtown Indianapolis ice cream shop preparing milkshakes and waffles cones in between exchanges. Even while working a solo shift, Radomski was […]
Degree completions are top performance goals set for Indiana’s public colleges and universities
Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education (CHE) on Thursday approved specific “outcomes-based” performance goals that must be met annually by each of the state’s colleges and universities in order for the schools to receive additional taxpayer funding. The incentives-driven funding model was adopted by the commission in May and provides flexibility for institutions to work towards […]