As a Midwesterner, it brings me joy that the new Pope has probably said "ope, let me sneak past ya."

New: ECU is “screening” its curriculum for words like “culture,” “justice” and “women’s rights. NC State and others are “scrubbing” websites. How UNC System schools are complying with the latest crackdown on DEI: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...

UNC System schools ‘screening’ curriculum, ‘scrubbing’ websites to comply with DEI orders

At least one school, East Carolina University, is scanning its curriculum for a list of keywords like “culture” in an effort to comply with anti-DEI orders.

newsobserver.com

NEW UPDATE: The pause on investigations at the Office for Civil Rights has been lifted. Work can begin on cases again, per an email to staff today from Education Secretary Linda McMahon. @jodiscohen.bsky.social and I reported a few weeks ago that only disability cases had resumed.

Education Department “Lifting the Pause” on Some Civil Rights Probes, but Not for Race or Gender Cases

A memo to the department’s Office for Civil Rights reveals that the agency will allow “only disability-based discrimination” cases to proceed. Thousands of outstanding complaints will continue to sit ...

propublica.org

Want to know the latest about the ongoing changes at Ohio colleges and universities related to DEI programs? @sheridan120.bsky.social has got you covered through this DEI tracker. www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...

Ohio colleges and universities are cutting DEI programs, staff. Here's what we know

Diversity, equity and inclusion work at colleges and universities are under heightened scrutiny this year. Here's how Ohio schools are responding.

dispatch.com

Lamar’s halftime performance signaled protest and patriotism at once, provoking without necessarily saying much, writes @skornhaber.bsky.social:

What Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show Said

The rapper insists he’s a musician, not a messiah—a message reinforced by his Super Bowl performance.

theatlantic.com

Much like squirrels bury nuts away, this story got buried last week between Thanksgiving and The Game. But please enjoy one of my most favorite stories about campus squirrels 🐿️🥜💛 www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...

Squirrels reign supreme: Ohio colleges embrace their campus critters

Many colleges claim their campus' squirrels are somehow more unique than other squirrels. At these Ohio colleges, it's true.

dispatch.com

The Alpha Phi sorority and two members of Beta Alpha Omega have been charged after a student was found dead in a river after attending an off-campus party where alcohol was allegedly served to minors.

2 Dartmouth fraternity members and a sorority have been charged in death of a student

The Alpha Phi sorority and two members of Beta Alpha Omega have been charged after a student was found dead in a river after attending an off-campus party where alcohol was allegedly served to minors.

npr.org

It’s like Christ❌mas ❌orning in Colu❌bus and the little elves have crossed out all the “M’s”on ca❌pus. #RivalryWeek #TheGame

"Did you consider the liability of this since he was unenrolled?" Local high school principal on leave, investigated for helping former student who is experiencing homelessness, records show. Read about it here: www.cincinnati.com/story/news/e...

High school principal under investigation after helping former homeless student

The Lakota East High School principal is on paid administrative leave, investigated for offering school services to an unenrolled homeless student.

cincinnati.com

I love that @flavorflav.bsky.social has a starter pack for news and media outlets. Flavor Flav potentially being a fan of local news is 10000% a thing and I AM HERE FOR IT.

FLAVOR FLAV ⏰@flavorflav.bsky.social · 2y ago

Welcome to The Good Place,,, I got yo backs with some starter packs 👇🏾 My 1st Starter Pack / General go.bsky.app/QtvWbjH Black Excellence go.bsky.app/F5kYEyc SPORTS,!! go.bsky.app/8zyN8FV MUSIC,!!! go.bsky.app/5K15oMe Memes + Jokes go.bsky.app/Dz4nLst NEWS + MEDIA Outlets go.bsky.app/GyXWWej

News -> The 2025-26 FAFSA is now live for all students and families to complete online. Background info from our coverage last week here: www.usatoday.com/story/news/e...

Education Department: Next FAFSA working well, may be widely available in 'coming days'

The Education Department said Thursday that the 2025-26 FAFSA form will likely be available to all students and families "in the coming days."

usatoday.com

Isolation and loneliness is a growing concern on our college campuses. Are you an Ohio college student? Consider helping @maddiemitch.bsky.social and me in our reporting 🫶🏼

mad mitch@maddiemitch.bsky.social · 2y ago

I’m writing a story about mental health on college campuses in Ohio for The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Columbus Dispatch. If you’re an Ohio college kid, please consider sharing your thoughts here: forms.gle/n8ovLZGcGQ9u...

Welcome to my Bluesky. I am a very serious higher education reporter!