Higher Education
What is the future of the Department of Education under the new administration?
The Department of Education faces potential restructuring with President's executive order to dismantle the agency. However, Linda McMahon clarified during her confirmation hearing that the administration's goal is not to defund education but to make the agency more efficient. She mentioned the possibility of transferring some department functions to other federal agencies while maintaining educational funding. This approach represents a significant shift in federal education policy, raising concerns among former officials like Arne Duncan about the implications for public education services, particularly for vulnerable student populations.
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CBS News
02:21 - 03:06
What concerns does the former Education Secretary have about current education policy changes?
According to Nicole Killian, the former Education Secretary views current education policy changes as "an all out assault on public education." He highlights serious concerns about the real-world impacts these changes would have on vulnerable populations, particularly low-income students, children with disabilities, and students with special needs. The policy changes also threaten higher education support systems, specifically mentioning potential impacts on Pell Grants. As both a former Education Secretary and school superintendent, he brings practical experience to his criticism of these reforms that could fundamentally alter educational support for America's most vulnerable students.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)CBS News
03:56 - 04:18
Why are Nepalese students hesitant to return to Kalinga Institute of Technology?
Nepalese students suspended from the Kalinga Institute of Technology in India's Odisha state are expressing fear about returning to campus despite receiving apologies from institute officials. Their hesitation stems from recent demonstrations that occurred at the institution, which appear to have created an environment where these students no longer feel safe or comfortable. Although KIIT officials have issued formal apologies and explicitly invited the students to return to campus, these assurances have not been sufficient to overcome the students' concerns. The situation highlights the serious impact campus unrest can have on international students' sense of security and trust in educational institutions.
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WION
01:19 - 01:34
How did Donald Trump avoid military service during the Vietnam War?
Donald Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War through a series of deferments. Initially, he qualified for four educational deferments while attending an Ivy League school where he studied economics and business. These deferments exempted him from the draft while he was in college. After graduating from college, when he would have become eligible for military service, Trump obtained another deferment due to a medical condition - specifically, a problem with his heel bone. This heel spur diagnosis provided him with the medical exemption needed to avoid being drafted into service during the Vietnam conflict.
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Johnny Harris
05:04 - 06:02
What happened to the Nepali student in Odisha and what was the response?
A 20-year-old Nepali woman died by suicide at her college in Orissa (Odisha), allegedly due to harassment by a fellow student. The incident sparked widespread protests in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu, as public outrage grew over the tragedy. In response, state police confirmed the suicide and took action, arresting the fellow student accused of harassment. The incident has escalated to become a significant issue affecting relations between India and Nepal, with the Nepalese government becoming involved to ensure the safety of its students studying abroad.
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WION
03:36 - 03:54
What measures has Nepal taken to ensure the safety of Nepali students in India following the tragic incident at Kalinga Institute?
Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal has taken several concrete actions to ensure the safety of Nepali students in India. The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi has dispatched two officers to counsel the affected students at the Kalinga Institute, providing direct support and guidance during this crisis. Additionally, Nepal has made practical arrangements to give students options regarding their living situation. Students now have the choice to either remain in their hostel accommodations or return to their homes in Nepal, ensuring they can make decisions based on their comfort and sense of safety during this difficult time.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)WION
02:49 - 03:03