Martha Harris
@marthajharris.bsky.social
Education Reporter @KUER
mharris@kuer.org
mharris@kuer.org
The Trump administration is withholding at least $35.8 million in school funding for Utah, as it freezes billions of dollars in similar education grants nationwide.
The director of the non-profit Utah Afterschool Network said it's a scary situation for families.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
The director of the non-profit Utah Afterschool Network said it's a scary situation for families.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
The Trump admin is withholding $35.8M from Utah schools
Some of the grants being withheld are for English language learners and before- and after- school programs. The Trump administration said it needed to review them.
www.kuer.org
July 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The Trump administration is withholding at least $35.8 million in school funding for Utah, as it freezes billions of dollars in similar education grants nationwide.
The director of the non-profit Utah Afterschool Network said it's a scary situation for families.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
The director of the non-profit Utah Afterschool Network said it's a scary situation for families.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Reposted by Martha Harris
“Utah’s public workers are ready,” said the Utah Education Association after the Lt. Gov. certified the referendum. “We are organized, energized and confident that voters will stand with us when the time comes.”
Referendum to repeal Utah’s collective bargaining ban heads to 2026 ballot
Gov. Spencer Cox let a June 21 deadline to call a special election pass and instead sent the referendum to the November 2026 general election.
buff.ly
June 24, 2025 at 8:12 PM
“Utah’s public workers are ready,” said the Utah Education Association after the Lt. Gov. certified the referendum. “We are organized, energized and confident that voters will stand with us when the time comes.”
Arturo Gamboa, the man arrested after Saturday's SLC protest shooting, will be released from jail. A judge signed the order this afternoon.
"He should never have been in jail in the first place," Gamboa's attorney said.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
"He should never have been in jail in the first place," Gamboa's attorney said.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
Judge orders release of Arturo Gamboa in No Kings protest shooting case
Gamboa’s attorney had sought his release because “he is being unlawfully detained in violation of his constitutional rights.”
www.kuer.org
June 20, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Arturo Gamboa, the man arrested after Saturday's SLC protest shooting, will be released from jail. A judge signed the order this afternoon.
"He should never have been in jail in the first place," Gamboa's attorney said.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
"He should never have been in jail in the first place," Gamboa's attorney said.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
Arturo Gamboa will stay in jail until Monday.
Salt Lake DA Sim Gill filed a 3-day extension to keep Gamboa there while his office determines what, if any charges, will be filed against him.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
Salt Lake DA Sim Gill filed a 3-day extension to keep Gamboa there while his office determines what, if any charges, will be filed against him.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
Salt Lake DA files a hold on Arturo Gamboa as No Kings shooting investigation continues
“I ask for everyone’s patience,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. The district attorney’s office wants “sufficient time to review, analyze, and make an informed decision to any allega...
www.kuer.org
June 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Arturo Gamboa will stay in jail until Monday.
Salt Lake DA Sim Gill filed a 3-day extension to keep Gamboa there while his office determines what, if any charges, will be filed against him.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
Salt Lake DA Sim Gill filed a 3-day extension to keep Gamboa there while his office determines what, if any charges, will be filed against him.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
A transgender teen in Utah had the go-ahead from the state’s eligibility commission to participate in girls’ high school sports.
Even so, UHSAA would not allow her to compete and cited President Donald Trump's February executive order.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Even so, UHSAA would not allow her to compete and cited President Donald Trump's February executive order.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Trump’s executive order on transgender sports kept a Utah teen from playing
Arguments continued in a second hearing this year in the lawsuit over Utah’s law banning transgender girls from competing in girls' sports. Now, the central issue is how President Donald Trump’s execu...
www.kuer.org
June 3, 2025 at 12:45 AM
A transgender teen in Utah had the go-ahead from the state’s eligibility commission to participate in girls’ high school sports.
Even so, UHSAA would not allow her to compete and cited President Donald Trump's February executive order.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Even so, UHSAA would not allow her to compete and cited President Donald Trump's February executive order.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Salt Lake Community College has unveiled its plan for state-mandated budget cuts and reinvestments.
Here's an overview of what's in it.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Here's an overview of what's in it.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
SLCC aims for simplicity and workforce training to meet Utah’s higher ed mandate
While the restructuring prioritized Salt Lake Community College’s technical training and health sciences programs, leadership argues that the arts and humanities are still an important part of the sch...
www.kuer.org
May 23, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Salt Lake Community College has unveiled its plan for state-mandated budget cuts and reinvestments.
Here's an overview of what's in it.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Here's an overview of what's in it.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah Board of Ed member Molly Hart will be the state's new Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The board voted 12-to-2 to appoint her on Wednesday night.
Hart will succeed Sydnee Dickson, who has been in the state's top ed job for nearly a decade.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
The board voted 12-to-2 to appoint her on Wednesday night.
Hart will succeed Sydnee Dickson, who has been in the state's top ed job for nearly a decade.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah Board of Ed member Molly Hart will be the state’s next superintendent
Hart succeeds Sydnee Dickson as Utah’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, the chief executive in charge of statewide education.
www.kuer.org
May 22, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Utah Board of Ed member Molly Hart will be the state's new Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The board voted 12-to-2 to appoint her on Wednesday night.
Hart will succeed Sydnee Dickson, who has been in the state's top ed job for nearly a decade.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
The board voted 12-to-2 to appoint her on Wednesday night.
Hart will succeed Sydnee Dickson, who has been in the state's top ed job for nearly a decade.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen is now banned in all Utah public schools.
It was reported by Cache, Davis and Tooele school districts.
This is the 18th book to be banned statewide under the 2024 law, HB29.
It was reported by Cache, Davis and Tooele school districts.
This is the 18th book to be banned statewide under the 2024 law, HB29.
A 17th book has been banned in all Utah public schools.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
Today, "Like a Love Story" by Abdi Nazemian was added to the list of books banned in all Utah public schools.
This book was reported by the Davis, Jordan and Washington Co. school districts.
This book was reported by the Davis, Jordan and Washington Co. school districts.
May 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen is now banned in all Utah public schools.
It was reported by Cache, Davis and Tooele school districts.
This is the 18th book to be banned statewide under the 2024 law, HB29.
It was reported by Cache, Davis and Tooele school districts.
This is the 18th book to be banned statewide under the 2024 law, HB29.
A referendum to repeal Utah's ban on collective bargaining has enough verified signatures to land on the 2026 ballot. But it's not a done deal yet.
Here's the latest from @saigemiller.bsky.social and I.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Here's the latest from @saigemiller.bsky.social and I.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Referendum on Utah’s collective bargaining ban has the signatures it needs
As of the morning of April 28, the labor groups hit the 8% target in 15 Senate districts, and 146,480 signatures have been verified.
www.kuer.org
April 28, 2025 at 8:15 PM
A referendum to repeal Utah's ban on collective bargaining has enough verified signatures to land on the 2026 ballot. But it's not a done deal yet.
Here's the latest from @saigemiller.bsky.social and I.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Here's the latest from @saigemiller.bsky.social and I.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
@utahtechu.bsky.social is the latest college to publicly share how it plans to comply with budget cuts and restructuring mandated by the Legislature.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah Tech eyes business investments rather than programs like language or theater
State lawmakers are requiring Utah Tech University reallocate over $2.55 million in its budget, which means cutting certain programs. Every public college and university in the state has been tasked w...
www.kuer.org
April 25, 2025 at 11:33 PM
@utahtechu.bsky.social is the latest college to publicly share how it plans to comply with budget cuts and restructuring mandated by the Legislature.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Reposted by Martha Harris
Weber State is cutting 32 majors, minors and certificates. 89 courses will be eliminated.
In which I speak with students about the news, and
@marthajharris.bsky.social tells us what's happening with other Utah state schools: www.kuer.org/education/20...
In which I speak with students about the news, and
@marthajharris.bsky.social tells us what's happening with other Utah state schools: www.kuer.org/education/20...
Weber State is latest school cutting majors in response to Utah’s higher ed mandate
The Ogden-based university will cut 17 majors, 8 minors and 7 certificates. It joins Utah State University as the first pair of schools to announce major changes following the Legislature’s academic o...
www.kuer.org
April 22, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Weber State is cutting 32 majors, minors and certificates. 89 courses will be eliminated.
In which I speak with students about the news, and
@marthajharris.bsky.social tells us what's happening with other Utah state schools: www.kuer.org/education/20...
In which I speak with students about the news, and
@marthajharris.bsky.social tells us what's happening with other Utah state schools: www.kuer.org/education/20...
ACLU of Utah is suing the federal government on behalf of nine international students who had their legal status terminated.
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration violated the students' Fifth Amendment due process rights.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration violated the students' Fifth Amendment due process rights.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
ACLU Utah sues Trump admin to protect international students in Utah
The ACLU of Utah wants a temporary restraining order to allow students to resume their studies and work. Without that, the students could face deportation after the government terminated their registr...
www.kuer.org
April 18, 2025 at 8:58 PM
ACLU of Utah is suing the federal government on behalf of nine international students who had their legal status terminated.
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration violated the students' Fifth Amendment due process rights.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
The lawsuit argues the Trump administration violated the students' Fifth Amendment due process rights.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Utah labor unions say they've submitted 320,000 signatures in effort to repeal collective bargaining ban — more than double what they needed.
Here's what happens next.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Here's what happens next.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Unions turn in 320,000 signatures in bid to repeal Utah’s collective bargaining ban
The signatures turned in are more than double the 140,748 needed. The next step is signature verification, followed by 45 days when opponents can convince people to remove their names.
www.kuer.org
April 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Utah labor unions say they've submitted 320,000 signatures in effort to repeal collective bargaining ban — more than double what they needed.
Here's what happens next.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Here's what happens next.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
International students at several Utah colleges have had their visas revoked and records terminated by the Trump administration.
More than 49 students have been affected so far.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
More than 49 students have been affected so far.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah colleges confirm dozens of international student visas terminated
Colleges across the U.S. are reporting that some of their international students are unexpectedly having their visas revoked by the Trump Administration.
www.kuer.org
April 9, 2025 at 10:18 PM
International students at several Utah colleges have had their visas revoked and records terminated by the Trump administration.
More than 49 students have been affected so far.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
More than 49 students have been affected so far.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Some Utah State Board of Ed members wanted to send a strong message against DEI.
But the proposed resolution failed to get enough support from the full school board.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
But the proposed resolution failed to get enough support from the full school board.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah Board of Ed votes down resolution tying DEI to ‘Soviet policy goals’
The resolution, which drew attention online and hundreds of messages to board members, called on schools to get rid of any remaining DEI practices. Utah’s anti-DEI law was passed in 2024.
www.kuer.org
April 3, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Some Utah State Board of Ed members wanted to send a strong message against DEI.
But the proposed resolution failed to get enough support from the full school board.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
But the proposed resolution failed to get enough support from the full school board.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Reposted by Martha Harris
All of Utah's business programs struggle w/ gender parity, but at BYU there's a clear gap in faculty representation which impacts mentorship. buff.ly/sOwzQVq
March 25, 2025 at 5:29 PM
All of Utah's business programs struggle w/ gender parity, but at BYU there's a clear gap in faculty representation which impacts mentorship. buff.ly/sOwzQVq
Reposted by Martha Harris
UPDATE: According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
U.S. Education Department says it is cutting nearly half of all staff
According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
www.npr.org
March 12, 2025 at 12:04 AM
UPDATE: According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
The University of Utah is looking to move the Huntsman Center. Since 1969, it's been home to basketball, volleyball and gymnastics.
Here's why the school wants to move the arena.
www.kuer.org/sports-recre...
Here's why the school wants to move the arena.
www.kuer.org/sports-recre...
A new Huntsman Center is part of University of Utah’s campus reimagining
There are no firm designs nor a location, but Ute Athletics Director Mark Harlan called the idea “a fantastic opportunity for this athletic department to modernize.”
www.kuer.org
March 11, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The University of Utah is looking to move the Huntsman Center. Since 1969, it's been home to basketball, volleyball and gymnastics.
Here's why the school wants to move the arena.
www.kuer.org/sports-recre...
Here's why the school wants to move the arena.
www.kuer.org/sports-recre...
Reposted by Martha Harris
Did you decide 2024 was a good year to finally check out Capitol Reef? Looks like a lot of people did.
Mighty indeed: Capitol Reef has a record 2024, Zion is now America’s No. 2 park
All but one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks had an increase in visitors from the previous year. At the same time, concerns linger about how federal job cuts might impact park crowds.
buff.ly
March 8, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Did you decide 2024 was a good year to finally check out Capitol Reef? Looks like a lot of people did.
Utah State Univeristy will have a "voluntary separation incentive program" in response to a #utleg bill and budget cuts.
A letter sent to faculty and staff today said the buyouts will happen "prior to considering other actions, including potential layoffs."
A letter sent to faculty and staff today said the buyouts will happen "prior to considering other actions, including potential layoffs."
March 8, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Utah State Univeristy will have a "voluntary separation incentive program" in response to a #utleg bill and budget cuts.
A letter sent to faculty and staff today said the buyouts will happen "prior to considering other actions, including potential layoffs."
A letter sent to faculty and staff today said the buyouts will happen "prior to considering other actions, including potential layoffs."
A 17th book has been banned in all Utah public schools.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
Today, "Like a Love Story" by Abdi Nazemian was added to the list of books banned in all Utah public schools.
This book was reported by the Davis, Jordan and Washington Co. school districts.
This book was reported by the Davis, Jordan and Washington Co. school districts.
Utah has banned its 15th book from all public schools in the state.
"Damsel" by Elana K. Arnold was added to the list after being reported by Davis, Park City and Washington Co. school districts.
Here is the full list of banned titles: usbe-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/person...
"Damsel" by Elana K. Arnold was added to the list after being reported by Davis, Park City and Washington Co. school districts.
Here is the full list of banned titles: usbe-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/person...
March 6, 2025 at 6:06 PM
A 17th book has been banned in all Utah public schools.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
"Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today.
It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
The saga over Utah’s law banning public labor union collective bargaining will continue past the legislative session.
A coalition of unions will try to repeal HB267 with a ballot referendum.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
A coalition of unions will try to repeal HB267 with a ballot referendum.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Public unions say they’ll pursue a repeal of Utah’s new collective bargaining ban
Representatives from eight unions announced Wednesday they intend to file and collect signatures for a ballot statewide referendum to overturn HB267.
www.kuer.org
March 6, 2025 at 12:42 AM
The saga over Utah’s law banning public labor union collective bargaining will continue past the legislative session.
A coalition of unions will try to repeal HB267 with a ballot referendum.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
A coalition of unions will try to repeal HB267 with a ballot referendum.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah public school teachers are getting a $1,446 pay raise from the state.
But the Utah Education Association is still frustrated with state leaders and called today's announcement "political posturing."
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
But the Utah Education Association is still frustrated with state leaders and called today's announcement "political posturing."
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
Utah leaders announce a $1,400 pay raise for public school teachers
As the end of the session draws near, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams announced a wage increase of $278 million for teachers, support staff and dist...
www.kuer.org
February 28, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Utah public school teachers are getting a $1,446 pay raise from the state.
But the Utah Education Association is still frustrated with state leaders and called today's announcement "political posturing."
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
But the Utah Education Association is still frustrated with state leaders and called today's announcement "political posturing."
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
A new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report highlights the value of higher education in Utah.
This comes as Utah lawmakers look to cut “low-performing” college programs and reallocate those funds to "high-performing" ones.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
This comes as Utah lawmakers look to cut “low-performing” college programs and reallocate those funds to "high-performing" ones.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Utah is shaking up higher ed, even as a report says there’s a solid return on it
“The perceptions around the value of higher education are misaligned with the realities of the value,” said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward.
www.kuer.org
February 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM
A new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report highlights the value of higher education in Utah.
This comes as Utah lawmakers look to cut “low-performing” college programs and reallocate those funds to "high-performing" ones.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
This comes as Utah lawmakers look to cut “low-performing” college programs and reallocate those funds to "high-performing" ones.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
Reposted by Martha Harris
