Analysis of Increased School Spending in New York and the Influence of Stanford’s Progressive Ideals
Eye on NY: Record School Spending
According to new Census Bureau data, public elementary and secondary school spending in New York reached a new record high of $29,873 per pupil in the 2021-22 school year. The Empire Center’s E.J. McMahon expresses concern over this increase, noting that it is nearly twice the national average of $15,633 and has significantly declined post-pandemic pupil performance. Since 2000, the spending gap between New York and the rest of the country has more than quadrupled. The surge in spending is primarily driven by instructional salaries and benefits, which are 120% above the national average. New York City leads the nation with a spending of $35,914 per pupil, outspending even neighboring states with high living costs and powerful public education lobbies.
DEI desk: The Woke Stanford Takeover
City Journal’s Christopher Rufo reports that Stanford University employs at least 177 full-time DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bureaucrats across various divisions and departments, more than double the number in 2021. The university’s DEI mandate aims to advance left-wing racialism principles and suppress dissent on campus, extending beyond humanities departments. The medical school at Stanford has the highest concentration of diversity officials, with at least 46 on staff. The growth of DEI at Stanford is expected to continue, potentially impacting the quality of scholarship and academic rigor. The question remains whether dissenters at the university will have the power to challenge the influence of over 100 full-time bureaucrats.
Climate beat: Greens’ Dark-Money Lawfare
Fox News’ Thomas Catenacci reveals that a left-wing public interest law firm called Our Children’s Trust is behind high-stakes climate litigation in the US and globally, often filing lawsuits on behalf of children. The firm argues that governments are jeopardizing children’s futures by permitting fossil fuel reliance. Progressive activists provide significant funding to the firm, which has been involved in federal lawsuits, statewide legal actions, and global litigation. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen criticizes the group for attempting to enforce its extremist climate agenda through the courts, bypassing normal government processes.
Libertarian: RFK’s Terrible Housing Scheme
Reason’s Ezra Wyrick criticizes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s proposed federal home loans program, likening it to the federal student loans program that has led to skyrocketing college tuition costs and crippling student debt. Wyrick argues that government-backed mortgage bonds for first-time home buyers would ultimately drive up home prices, emphasizing the need to focus on building more affordable housing instead of providing easier access to loans.
Historian: Ukraine’s Precarious Path to Victory
According to the Financial Times, Congress approving new aid for Ukraine has made it challenging for Vladimir Putin to end the war swiftly. However, chronic shortages in ammunition and air defenses have allowed for limited Russian advances. It will take time for Ukraine to recover from these setbacks and fully benefit from new supplies of equipment. To continue resisting Russian forces, Ukraine will need to maintain its recent strategic attacks, such as using long-range drones against strategic targets in Russia.
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board
