News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
- home
›- Cloaking Inequity By Julian Vasquez Heilig
›- Education & Personal Development
Cloaking Inequity By Julian Vasquez Heilig - Education & Personal Development
10 | Follower
What If the U.S. Department of Education Disappeared Overnight? – Cloaking Inequity
That’s one of the hard-hitting questions we explored during my recent conversation with Jesse Turner—on The Readman Truth to Power Hour on 103.5 WNHH. Jesse and I went deep. We talked about what’s really at stake in education right now—from the halls of Washington, D.C., to classrooms across the country. I shared some of the insights I’ve…
The Rise of the Dual State in America – Cloaking Inequity
There’s a quiet but alarming shift happening in how power is being envisioned—and potentially wielded—in the United States. While headlines fixate on elections and candidates, behind the curtain, a deeper transformation is being modeled: the rise of what political scientists call a “dual state”. What sparked this reflection? A recent incident where U.S. national-security leaders…
Reclaiming Education as a Civil Right: My Return to NAACP Leadership – Cloaking Inequity
It’s with deep honor—and a sense of full-circle purpose—that I share this news:I’ve returned to civil rights leadership with the national NAACP. I’ll be working alongside the formidable Dr. Adora Obi Nweze, Chair of the National Education Committee, as we expand and execute a bold vision for educational equity across the nation. As someone who…
What If Obama and Trump Faced Off in 2028? – Cloaking Inequity
So I was watching Chris Cuomo’s show the other night, and there it was: Steve Bannon, in all seriousness, said that Republicans are working on a way to allow Donald Trump to run for a third term. Bannon called Trump “the greatest political talent in a generation.” Whether you agree or not, that comment got…
Thoughts for Students: Gandhi, King, Chávez, and the Burden of Moral Resistance – Cloaking Inequity
In April 2024, university campuses across the United States became epicenters of activism as students established encampments to protest U.S. policies and university investments related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These demonstrations, reminiscent of historical movements for justice, reignited debates on free speech, civil disobedience, and the ethical boundaries of protest. This topic is not only…
When Loyalty Replaces Qualifications: The Cost to Democracy—and How We Push Back – Cloaking Inequity
It started with the attempt to make Matt Gaetz the Attorney General of the United States. Despite lacking significant legal experience, Gaetz—better known for bombast and loyal soundbites than legal credentials—was chosen to lead the Department of Justice. It wasn’t about legal expertise or a proven record of upholding the Constitution. It was about unflinching loyalty. That…
The Erasure of Black History in the Name of an Assault on DEI – Cloaking Inequity
The U.S. Department of Defense just quietly deleted a webpage about Jackie Robinson’s military service—a piece of history that sheds light on his role as a Black Army officer who fought against segregation in the military. And why? Because it was part of a broader purge of anything connected to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).…
Victory for Educator Preparation: Federal Court Reinstates Over 100 Terminated Teacher Preparation Grants – Cloaking Inequity
In a major win for educator preparation programs, a federal court has ruled that more than 100 grants supporting teacher training and development—unlawfully terminated by the Trump Administration—must be reinstated. This decision marks a significant moment in the fight for high-quality teacher preparation and equitable access to well-trained educators across the nation. Why This Ruling…
America’s Cultural Revolution is Here: The Parallels We Can’t Ignore – Cloaking Inequity
The term “Cultural Revolution” is most closely associated with China’s Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) and Iran’s Cultural Revolution (1980–1987)—two radical movements that upended institutions, targeted intellectuals, and reshaped society to fit ideological purity tests. These revolutions led to the purging of educators, the rewriting of history, and the persecution of those who refused to conform. Now, in 21st-century America, we are…
History Warns Us: Have a Plan for When They Try to Disappear You – Cloaking Inequity
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they…
The Killing of Gaza’s University Presidents and the Destruction of Palestinian Academia – Cloaking Inequity
In Gaza, the Israeli military’s ongoing assault has taken the lives of more than 100 professors and academics, a staggering blow to higher education, intellectual progress, and the future of Palestinian students. Among those killed are three distinguished university presidents, each of whom dedicated their lives to education, scientific advancement, and the empowerment of their…
The Leaders We Need: How Changemakers Will Save Education from Collapse – Cloaking Inequity
Leadership in education is always a test of vision, resilience, and the ability to balance competing demands. But when crises hit—whether it’s a global pandemic, budget shortfalls, or political interference—true leadership is revealed. Some leaders rise to the moment, navigating challenges with integrity and a focus on long-term solutions. Others react in ways that destabilize…
The Shocking Truth: How Authoritarians Are Attacking Freedom in America Right Now – Cloaking Inequity
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..."—First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. For those of you carrying pocket-sized Constitutions, here’s a reminder: the First Amendment explicitly protects free speech and a free press. Yet today, the…
Who Controls Your Classroom? The Fight for Academic Freedom in an Age of Censorship – Cloaking Inequity
A faculty member recently shared a troubling story that highlights the growing assault on academic freedom in higher education. She recounted how a dean at a Southeastern Conference (SEC) College of Education called her into his office and told her she was "teaching too much diversity" in her teacher education course. This chilling directive—an overt…
Left of Lansing: Why Trump and Musk are Attacking Education – Cloaking Inequity
I recently joined the Left of Lansing podcast to break down the escalating political war on education (Link at the end of the post) Billionaires Elon Musk and Donald Trump have both called for the elimination of DEI initiatives, threatening to cut federal funding for universities and school districts that refuse to comply. Their attack on education is not only problematic—it is unconstitutional. These programs…
Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education: A Direct Threat to America’s Schools – Cloaking Inequity
The effort to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is not just a policy debate—it is an existential threat to education access, research, and economic mobility in the United States. As I discussed during the Texas AFT Virtual Town Hall, the ramifications would be massive, impacting everything from university research and financial aid to K-12 funding and school operations. The Department…
Kentucky’s HB 4 Will Crush Enrollment and Graduation Rates—Here’s How – Cloaking Inequity
It was an honor to serve as the Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Education for almost four years. During my time in the Commonwealth, I also had the privilege of serving as the Education Chair and on the Executive Committee of the Kentucky NAACP. Additionally, I was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to the Kentucky…
DEIism: The New McCarthyism Threatening Education – Cloaking Inequity
Introducing a New Term: DEIism Today, I am introducing a new term: DEIism. DEIism refers to the ideological movement or practice of targeting, reporting, and dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the guise of neutrality or accountability. Like McCarthyism in the mid-20th century, which used national security fears to justify political purges, DEIism fosters a culture of…
(Breaking News) Trump to Students: Protest and Get Expelled or Deported – Cloaking Inequity
As I discussed on Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman, Donald Trump has made it clear that he will continue adding contingencies to federal funding as a tool for controlling universities, just as authoritarian regimes have done throughout history. He started with DEI, branding it as a political target. Now, his demands have escalated—he is calling for an outright ban…
US Department of Education Tattle-Tale Line: Let’s Flood It with the Truth – Cloaking Inequity
In yet another attempt to weaponize the federal government against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in education, the U.S. Department of Education—at the urging of Moms for Liberty and other far-right extremist groups—has launched the “Stop DEI Portal” (https://enddei.ed.gov). This taxpayer-funded snitch line is designed to invite anonymous complaints against public schools, colleges, and…
Dressing Down the U.S. Department of Education’s Aggressive FAQ Nonsense – Cloaking Inequity
The U.S. Department of Education has just released a Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act document. It’s exactly what you’d expect—overreach, aggressive legal maneuvering, and nonsensical logical reasoning. This document is yet another attempt to create confusion, stoke fear, and intimidate institutions that are working…
DePaul University Winter Forum: The Trump Administration’s Plan for Public Education – Cloaking Inequity
As we move beyond the early weeks of the Trump presidency, the precise policy directions for public education remain uncertain. However, by analyzing Project 2025, Agenda 47, and the America First Policy Institute, we can begin to outline the potential blueprint for public schools under this administration. These initiatives hint at a future where public education…
A Message for Students: Education, Resistance, and the Fight for Justice – Cloaking Inequity
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” Education, at its best, is meant to open minds, inspire critical thought, and cultivate a generation that questions, innovates, and demands justice. But today, both…
Blitzkrieg on Democracy: A Coordinated Assault on Oversight and Higher Education – Cloaking Inequity
In recent months, the current presidential administration has embarked on a rapid and aggressive campaign to reshape the federal landscape, targeting equity initiatives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, governmental accountability, oversight mechanisms, and even the foundational principles upheld by Congress and the Supreme Court. This strategy, reminiscent of the World War II "blitzkrieg" approach,…
Democracy Now!: Will Universities Surrender or Resist? – Cloaking Inequity
Attached the Democracy Now! show from yesterday. Was a little nervous at first but gained momentum. Here's a description: In the Democracy Now! episode titled "Will Universities Surrender or Resist?" Julian Vasquez Heilig, a professor at Western Michigan University, discusses the current administration's efforts to eliminate DEI in Higher Education. Vasquez Heilig critiques these moves, suggesting they undermine public education…
The War on Learning: How Politicians Are Dismantling Education—And How We Fight Back – Cloaking Inequity
The frontal assault on education is escalating across the country, affecting both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. From legislative bans to administrative compliance, we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on the core values of education—academic freedom, inclusive learning, and professional autonomy. These actions don’t just impact individual educators; they weaken entire schools, districts, and…
White Flag of Cowardice: Will Higher Education Fail the Test of Leadership and History? – Cloaking Inequity
Higher education is at an inflection point. The stakes are clear. Will our universities continue to be spaces of truth and rigorous academic inquiry—or will they become fortresses of cowardice, where administrators prioritize their careers over their moral obligations and community? At Wesleyan University, President Michael S. Roth has taken a stand. He’s not whispering behind closed doors. He’s…
“TV Off”: What Kendrick Lamar Was Really Saying at the Super Bowl – Cloaking Inequity
If you were scrolling through Facebook or other media after the Super Bowl, you might have seen the usual chorus of complaints: Worst halftime show ever. The outcry was predictable. Any performance that doesn’t fit neatly into the sanitized, all-American spectacle expected at this event tends to be met with confusion, frustration, or outright hostility. But to…
U.S. Department of Education’s 14-Day Ultimatum on Equal Opportunity: Will Universities Surrender or Resist? – Cloaking Inequity
Craig TrainorActing Assistant Secretary for Civil RightsUnited States Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Acting Assistant Secretary Trainor, I write to you today to critically examine the claims made in your February 14, 2025, letter regarding race-conscious policies in education. Your letter, purportedly presented as a reaffirmation of nondiscrimination obligations, instead fundamentally…
Valentine’s Day Reflection: Love, Justice, and the Urgency of Equity in Education – Cloaking Inequity
Valentine’s Day is often a celebration of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and platonic. But today, I find myself reflecting on another profound kind of love: the love that drives justice, the love that fuels the fight for equity, and the love that demands we create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.…
Breaking News: US Dept of Education Executive Order – Cloaking Inequity
Recent reports today indicate that the Trump administration is finalizing plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education through an executive order. This move aligns with President Trump's campaign promise to reduce federal involvement in education and shift control to state governments. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/politics/education-department-trump-executive-order?cid=ios_app Key Points **Executive Order Details** The proposed order aims to eliminate functions…
The Madness – Cloaking Inequity
I recently watched The Madness on Netflix, and it offered a fascinating exploration of the intersection of power, money, and technology—one that is DEEPLY relevant to the challenges we face in US politics. The show underscores how unchecked power and wealth, combined with advanced technology and racism, can foster manipulation and deepen systemic inequities very purposefully. It…
In Memoriam: Nikki Giovanni – Cloaking Inequity
The literary and cultural world has lost an irreplaceable voice with the passing of Nikki Giovanni. As one of the most celebrated poets and activists of our time, Giovanni inspired countless individuals with her fearless voice, searing insight, and unyielding commitment to justice. Her passing is not just a loss for the world of literature…
Inside Higher Education Podcast: A Bird’s Eye View of Higher Education During Turbulent Times – Cloaking Inequity
As we move further into 2024, the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for academic leaders. The latest 2024 Survey of College and University Chief Academic Officers offers a comprehensive look at how colleges and universities are navigating this complex environment. I invited you to join us as we…
Advancing Innovation and Access in Higher Education: A New Podcast Episode – Cloaking Inequity
I hope this message finds you well. I’m thrilled to share with you a recent podcast episode where I had the pleasure of discussing some of the most pressing topics in higher education today. As Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western Michigan University, these issues are close to my heart, and I…
GYO and Matt Damon’s Mom – Cloaking Inequity
I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting news about our Western Michigan University Grow Your Own (GYO) program, which is gaining significant national attention. One of our standout GYO students recently had the incredible opportunity to be featured on the Busted Pencils podcast alongside none other than Nancy…
Grow Your Own Teachers? A BustED: Pencils Podcast – Cloaking Inequity
Julian Vasquez Heilig and Laura Dinehart join Dr. Tim to discuss how Western Michigan University is 'Growing Their Own' teachers, without test tubes or science from the future! No, their "Gro-ing" their teachers by offering an opportunity to learn, work, and get PAID all in one place. https://twitter.com/bustedpencils/status/1775298626568552663?s=20 With over 300 students enrolled since July,…
Aquatica: The Great Lakes Underwater School – A New Approach to Deeper Learning in a Charter School – Cloaking Inequity
In the heart of Michigan, nestled within the vast, freshwater seas that are the Great Lakes, I’m excited that my revolutionary idea for a new charter school is taking shape. Aquatica: The Great Lakes Underwater School, is a new charter school set to launch in the fall of 2024. The school is not just a…
The Unbelievably Humbling Journey to a ‘Blue Biography’ in Educational Thinkers – Cloaking Inequity
The upcoming Palgrave Handbook of Educational Thinkers evokes a deep sense of connection with the lineage of educators and thinkers who have sculpted the contours of educational discourse and practice from antiquity onward. The roster of thinkers, whose work spans the spectrum of educational thought and action, represents a mosaic of visions and voices that…
Reflecting on a Momentous Day: Testimony to Congress on School Choice – Cloaking Inequity
Today's experience—testifying before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about charter schools—represents a full-circle moment and, more importantly, in the ongoing dialogue about the future of education in America. This was an opportunity not just to present data or argue for specific policies but to engage deeply with the critical issues at the…