In case you missed it…
Free speech:
Supporters of the Obama-era plan to regulate the Internet have been busy protesting the Federal Communications Commission’s recent decision to reverse course. Known as “net neutrality,” the regulations would have essentially treated the Web as a utility — subjecting it to heavy-handed FCC rules originally designed to govern telephone companies in the early 20th century. Recently, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced that he will be reversing the rules, causing backlash among supporters of big government. These opponents of Pai, however, don’t seem to have a coherent message around which they can rally. Claiming they want “a free and accessible” Internet, the net-neutrality advocates gathered in front of the FCC building this last week, demanding he censor a handful of “controversial” websites. (Read more)
Education:
“Social justice” isn’t something normally seen as a key component of mathematics — but one online course aimed at teachers hopes to make it so. “Teaching Social Justice Through Secondary Mathematics” was developed by Teach for America and is being offered through EdX. In part, the class description explains that “mathematics has been used as a dehumanizing tool” for centuries. Incoherently, the class instructs teachers to keep politics out of their math class but then strongly encourages them to “blend secondary math instruction with topics such as inequity, poverty, and privilege” in an effort to “transform students into global thinkers.” (Read more)
Government regulations:
Senate Democrats in Washington D.C. are trying to limit lawmakers’ ability to review regulations implemented by largely unaccountable bureaucrats. The partisan legislation would kill the 1996 Congressional Review Act, making it more difficult for lawmakers to evaluate and reverse onerous regulations. Among other things, the bill — sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) — would immediately reinstate the 14 regulations that have been overturned by congress in the past few months. (Read more)
Civil Asset Forfeiture:
The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a major reform to that state’s civil-asset-forfeiture laws this week. The House passed HB7146, which would require a criminal conviction before authorities are allowed to permanently seize assets under civil asset forfeiture rules. If enacted, Connecticut would join a handful of other states that have similar restrictions in place. A recent attempt in Nevada, on the other hand, died in the state senate earlier this year. (Read more)
Nevada’s 79th Legislature:
Nevada parents are letting their voice be heard when it comes to Education Savings Accounts. Moms, dads and even educators showed up to a recent legislative hearing to testify before lawmakers on the importance of educational choice. At times, things got emotional, as parents explained that ESAs are critical in providing their children with the opportunity for a better education. (Watch the video)