As critics decry religion in classrooms, some fear how far Florida will go
Oklahoma is mandating Bible lessons in public schools. Louisiana is requiring display of the 10 commandments in classrooms. As the national debate churns over the role of religion in public schools, Florida, too, stands near the center of the storm. Its law to permit chaplains in classrooms, which took effect July 1, has gained wide attention — particularly after Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wouldn’t allow The Satanic Church to participate. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Icon: Ron Vaughn
Florida Trend Associate Editor Michael Fechter recently spoke with the retired president of the University of Tampa in Florida Trend's monthly Icon profile. "When I first came in as president, I started working on a capital improvement plan and a campus master plan. We did not have one. Maybe understandable why we didn’t have one. You know we were struggling. Enrollment was declining." "Things weren't pretty. Paint was peeling on the minarets ... and maintenance of the campus wasn't looking great, either. But I thought they had such huge potential in Tampa with a great location," says Ron Vaughn, retired president, University of Tampa. [Source: Florida Trend ]
Higher-ed law challenge moves forward
A Leon County circuit judge has rejected requests by the New College of Florida Board of Trustees and the state university system’s Board of Governors to dismiss a challenge to a 2023 law that did away with arbitration in university employment disputes. Judge J. Lee Marsh last week allowed the lawsuit filed by the United Faculty of Florida, its New College chapter and a professor, Hugo Viera-Vargas, to move forward. The 2023 law prevented arbitration of grievances filed by faculty members over issues such as tenure denials. It said grievances could not be appealed beyond the level of university presidents. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Tech, KSC Visitor Complex launch astronomy partnership featuring portable telescope
Astronomy events and scientific talks will be offered to thousands of future visitors at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, courtesy of a new partnership featuring faculty and students from the Florida Institute of Technology. Astronomy events and scientific talks will be offered to thousands of future visitors at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, courtesy of a new partnership featuring faculty and students from the Florida Institute of Technology. [Source: TC Palm]
It’s not just teachers and bus drivers, Florida doesn’t have enough subs
Kelly Services, one of the country’s largest staffing agencies, is predicting a shortage of substitute teachers heading into the new school year in Florida and across the US. Stetson University’s Rajni Shankar-Brown said a statewide teacher shortage is making a sub shortage worse. Shankar-Brown said a smaller pool of subs are being asked to fill thousands of open teaching positions in Florida. And recruiting substitute teachers is complicated by low pay. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The president of Florida’s only public historically Black university resigns after donation debacle
The president of Florida’s only public historically Black university is resigning amid backlash over the school’s apparent failure to properly vet a multi-million dollar donation from a dubious donor. Larry Robinson submitted his resignation last week and will leave Florida A&M University at a time when state officials are scrutinizing programs at the school that they say are underperforming and as increasing political influence reshapes the state’s higher education landscape.
› Florida State University Panama City to host mental health summit for young adults
Florida State University Panama City is hosting a "STEM-focused" mental health summit on July 20. The gathering, organized and led for the second consecutive year by the United Hands Project, is designed to help provide people with coping mechanisms. According to an FSU press release, the event will use STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) platforms to teach people ages 10 to 25 how to better cope with mental health challenges.
› Waterfront gem, Eckerd College, named in Money’s “Best Colleges 2024” list
Eckerd College has been recognized as one of the best colleges in America in a new ranking by Money. The analysis by Money highlights the top 745 colleges in the country based on a comprehensive evaluation of graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and other factors. Eckerd College has a beautiful waterfront campus with a private beach and offers students access to a vibrant waterfront program.
› Students can now become registered nurses faster at Fort Myers Technical College
Fort Myers Technical College is introducing a new program that will facilitate future healthcare professionals' journey to becoming a registered nurse in less time and for a fraction of the cost. Classes started Monday, June 8. The program allows you to first become an LPN, or licensed practical nurse, which can do things like draw blood.