Morgan Polk
@morganpolk.bsky.social
education & labor policy for @newamerica.org @educationwork.newamerica.org. Thoughts here are my own.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
I got this useful bon mot from a middle school teacher recently.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
I got this useful bon mot from a middle school teacher recently.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
because the government is not reopen yet. The Senate's vote on Sunday was "procedural" (a step towards passing said deal, not actually passing said deal).
No end declared for FAA flight cuts despite shutdown deal
No end declared for FAA flight cuts despite shutdown deal
The agency’s emergency order directing the reductions at 40 major airports had not been lifted as of early Monday afternoon.
dlvr.it
November 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
because the government is not reopen yet. The Senate's vote on Sunday was "procedural" (a step towards passing said deal, not actually passing said deal).
Reposted by Morgan Polk
Like clockwork, we are back to the Republican framing that government assistance is okay if its farmer bailouts and tax cuts for the wealthy & big corporations but hell no for people who need help with healthcare, food or housing.
Joni Ernst: "Unfortunately, our farmers do need that assistance. They don't like it. They consider it welfare. They want trade, not aid. So we really need to see some of these new markets opening up around the globe ... but if there's anybody that can make a deal, it's President Trump."
October 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Like clockwork, we are back to the Republican framing that government assistance is okay if its farmer bailouts and tax cuts for the wealthy & big corporations but hell no for people who need help with healthcare, food or housing.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.
Trump Canceled 94 Million Pounds of Food Aid. Here’s What Never Arrived.
ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the administration’s cut...
projects.propublica.org
October 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
NEW: ProPublica obtained records from the Department of Agriculture that detail the millions of pounds of food, down to the number of eggs, that never reached food banks because of the Trump administration’s cuts to an aid program.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
Seven years ago, Congress’ Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump — but the funding it provides to states to address maternal health disparities is set to expire at the end of this month.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Federal funding for research to prevent maternal deaths in Va., nationwide set to expire Sept. 30
Seven years ago, Congress’ Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump — but the funding it provides to states to address maternal health disparities is set to expire…
www.newsfromthestates.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Seven years ago, Congress’ Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump — but the funding it provides to states to address maternal health disparities is set to expire at the end of this month.
via @virginiamercury.com
via @virginiamercury.com
Reposted by Morgan Polk
It is funny for sure. The reason for the difference is that the closer analogy here is between Columbia's board and ABC's executives, who responded similarly. Kimmel is more like Columbia faculty who have resisted their bosses' capitulation. The recurring pattern is: management cowers, labor fights.
It is really funny that Jimmy Kimmel Live showed more moral fortitude and adherence to a system of values than Columbia University
September 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It is funny for sure. The reason for the difference is that the closer analogy here is between Columbia's board and ABC's executives, who responded similarly. Kimmel is more like Columbia faculty who have resisted their bosses' capitulation. The recurring pattern is: management cowers, labor fights.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
We can, and should, deplore Charlie Kirk's murder, without whitewashing who he was. ttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/charlie-kirk-assassination-tragedy/
Let’s Not Forget Who Charlie Kirk Really Was
The right-wing influencer did not deserve to die, and we shouldn’t forget the many despicable things he said and did.
www.thenation.com
September 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
We can, and should, deplore Charlie Kirk's murder, without whitewashing who he was. ttps://www.thenation.com/article/society/charlie-kirk-assassination-tragedy/
I went to Texas A&M. I took the sort of classes Dr. McCoul teaches. This is scary and sad and telling of the times we are living in.
The Snitch State
This is the nightmare of many faculty at public institutions in GOP-controlled states… being ratted out by students to hostile administrators.
This is the nightmare of many faculty at public institutions in GOP-controlled states… being ratted out by students to hostile administrators.
A&M Dean removed following student complaints over curriculum
The Department of Justice has also acknowledged the situation and said it would be investigating.
www.kbtx.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I went to Texas A&M. I took the sort of classes Dr. McCoul teaches. This is scary and sad and telling of the times we are living in.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
When I see people online, even in jest, suggest that people living in Republican-controlled states should be abandoned because of their politicians, I feel a deep heartache. New York CREATED Donald Trump and none of y’all are ever talk about it the way you disparage Alabama or Mississippi.
September 6, 2025 at 4:43 PM
When I see people online, even in jest, suggest that people living in Republican-controlled states should be abandoned because of their politicians, I feel a deep heartache. New York CREATED Donald Trump and none of y’all are ever talk about it the way you disparage Alabama or Mississippi.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
BREAKING: Washington, D.C. sues the Trump administration over its deployment of the National Guard in the nation's capital.
D.C. sues Trump administration over 'illegal deployment' of National Guard in Washington
"None of this is lawful," the suit from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb says.
nbcnews.to
September 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
BREAKING: Washington, D.C. sues the Trump administration over its deployment of the National Guard in the nation's capital.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
REP. @brotherjones.bsky.social: “People want to give thoughts and prayers after a shooting, but it’s a form of theological malpractice when you pray for something you have the power to change.”
August 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
REP. @brotherjones.bsky.social: “People want to give thoughts and prayers after a shooting, but it’s a form of theological malpractice when you pray for something you have the power to change.”
Reposted by Morgan Polk
I was fcking around with ChatGPT to prove a point about Newsom’s trolling just now and LOOK AT THIS BULLSHIT.
August 31, 2025 at 10:25 AM
I was fcking around with ChatGPT to prove a point about Newsom’s trolling just now and LOOK AT THIS BULLSHIT.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
It's just completely looney-tunes to me that a huge number of flight attendants aren't paid until the plane is in the air. Like when you hear the announcement "flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for departure," they're being instructed to do a work task that they literally won't be paid for
Air Canada Cancels Flights Ahead of Possible Crippling Strike
www.nytimes.com
August 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
It's just completely looney-tunes to me that a huge number of flight attendants aren't paid until the plane is in the air. Like when you hear the announcement "flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for departure," they're being instructed to do a work task that they literally won't be paid for
Reposted by Morgan Polk
En route to this morning’s encampment eviction with tents, camping supplies, & moving/storage bags.
Help us order more supplies as evictions ramp up:
CA: $RemoraHouseDC
GB: givebutter.com/remorahouse
Help us order more supplies as evictions ramp up:
CA: $RemoraHouseDC
GB: givebutter.com/remorahouse
August 14, 2025 at 2:23 PM
En route to this morning’s encampment eviction with tents, camping supplies, & moving/storage bags.
Help us order more supplies as evictions ramp up:
CA: $RemoraHouseDC
GB: givebutter.com/remorahouse
Help us order more supplies as evictions ramp up:
CA: $RemoraHouseDC
GB: givebutter.com/remorahouse
Reposted by Morgan Polk
The Trump admin is weakening federal agencies that support worker rights, and wants to make it easier for employers to get away with discriminatory practices. More on this in my @educationwork.newamerica.org blog with @morganpolk.bsky.social:
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Proposed DOL Rule Scraps Anti-Discrimination Supports for Apprentices
A review of proposed changes to Department of Labor's equal opportunity employment protections and anti discrimination rules for apprenticeship programs
www.newamerica.org
August 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The Trump admin is weakening federal agencies that support worker rights, and wants to make it easier for employers to get away with discriminatory practices. More on this in my @educationwork.newamerica.org blog with @morganpolk.bsky.social:
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Reposted by Morgan Polk
Do THIS kind of reporting on everything:
Descendants of slaveholders in Congress have $3.9 million higher net worth on average.
Descendants of slaveholders in Congress have $3.9 million higher net worth on average
A study found U.S. Congress members with slaveholder ancestors have an average net worth $3.9 million higher than their peers, even after accounting for factors like age, race, and education, highligh...
www.psypost.org
July 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Do THIS kind of reporting on everything:
Reposted by Morgan Polk
🚨 Medicaid cuts will affect *millions* of students who receive services and support at school. 🚨
🔗 www.newamerica.org/education-po...
#Disability #Disabilities #OBBB #OBBBA #SpecialEducation
🔗 www.newamerica.org/education-po...
#Disability #Disabilities #OBBB #OBBBA #SpecialEducation
July 2, 2025 at 8:40 PM
🚨 Medicaid cuts will affect *millions* of students who receive services and support at school. 🚨
🔗 www.newamerica.org/education-po...
#Disability #Disabilities #OBBB #OBBBA #SpecialEducation
🔗 www.newamerica.org/education-po...
#Disability #Disabilities #OBBB #OBBBA #SpecialEducation
Reposted by Morgan Polk
The for-profit prison company GEO Group has surged in value under President Trump.
But despite its soaring fortunes, the ICE contractor has continued to resist having to pay detainees more than $1 a day for cleaning facilities where the government has forced them to live.
(Published March)
But despite its soaring fortunes, the ICE contractor has continued to resist having to pay detainees more than $1 a day for cleaning facilities where the government has forced them to live.
(Published March)
An ICE Contractor Is Worth Billions. It’s Still Fighting to Pay Detainees as Little as $1 a Day to Work.
GEO Group, whose stock is valued at $4 billion, says that state minimum wage laws don’t apply to the cleaning services that it’s asked detained migrants to perform at facilities where they’re kept.
www.propublica.org
July 3, 2025 at 12:15 AM
The for-profit prison company GEO Group has surged in value under President Trump.
But despite its soaring fortunes, the ICE contractor has continued to resist having to pay detainees more than $1 a day for cleaning facilities where the government has forced them to live.
(Published March)
But despite its soaring fortunes, the ICE contractor has continued to resist having to pay detainees more than $1 a day for cleaning facilities where the government has forced them to live.
(Published March)
Reposted by Morgan Polk
xAI’s Memphis campus is located in a predominantly Black community known as Boxtown which has been historically burdened with industrial projects that cause pollution.
"This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency,” wrote State Rep. Justin Pearson.
"This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency,” wrote State Rep. Justin Pearson.
Despite Protests, Elon Musk Secures Air Permit for xAI
Elon Musk’s xAI gas turbines get official approval, even as civil rights groups prepare to sue over alleged Clean Air Act violations.
www.wired.com
July 3, 2025 at 12:18 AM
xAI’s Memphis campus is located in a predominantly Black community known as Boxtown which has been historically burdened with industrial projects that cause pollution.
"This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency,” wrote State Rep. Justin Pearson.
"This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency,” wrote State Rep. Justin Pearson.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
NEW: Kilmar Abrego Garcia offered his first account of the “severe beatings” and other abuses he says he suffered while jailed in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison.
He says in a court filing that he lost 31 lbs in two weeks.
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
He says in a court filing that he lost 31 lbs in two weeks.
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
July 3, 2025 at 12:27 AM
NEW: Kilmar Abrego Garcia offered his first account of the “severe beatings” and other abuses he says he suffered while jailed in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison.
He says in a court filing that he lost 31 lbs in two weeks.
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
He says in a court filing that he lost 31 lbs in two weeks.
w/ @joshgerstein.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/07...
Reposted by Morgan Polk
NEW: After Texas Banned Abortion, More Women Nearly Bled to Death During Miscarriage
A @propublica.org analysis adds to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of first-trimester miscarriage far more dangerous.
A @propublica.org analysis adds to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of first-trimester miscarriage far more dangerous.
A “Striking” Trend: After Texas Banned Abortion, More Women Nearly Bled to Death During Miscarriage
A new ProPublica data analysis adds to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of first-trimester miscarriage far more dangerous.
www.propublica.org
July 1, 2025 at 11:11 AM
NEW: After Texas Banned Abortion, More Women Nearly Bled to Death During Miscarriage
A @propublica.org analysis adds to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of first-trimester miscarriage far more dangerous.
A @propublica.org analysis adds to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of first-trimester miscarriage far more dangerous.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
The administration gave varying rationales. SAMHSA said it didn't want to "silo" services. HHS claimed spending on the LGBTQ option jeopardized the rest of the hotline. But this is part of a clearly stated Trump admin effort to eliminate services for, and recognition of, trans people writ large.
Trump Administration Will End L.G.B.T.Q. Suicide Prevention Service
www.nytimes.com
June 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The administration gave varying rationales. SAMHSA said it didn't want to "silo" services. HHS claimed spending on the LGBTQ option jeopardized the rest of the hotline. But this is part of a clearly stated Trump admin effort to eliminate services for, and recognition of, trans people writ large.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
My heart breaks for trans kids, who do not deserve this obsessive animus that adults are directing at them.
June 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
My heart breaks for trans kids, who do not deserve this obsessive animus that adults are directing at them.
Reposted by Morgan Polk
Ask your doctor what treatment the supreme court decided is right for you.
June 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Ask your doctor what treatment the supreme court decided is right for you.