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QUICK LINKS:
IRAQ UPDATES
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATES
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY UPDATES
ACADEMIC FREEDOM UPDATES
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION UPDATES
OTHER ISSUES UPDATES
IRAQ UPDATES
Even U.S. officials agree: our current strategy isn't working. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke at Kansas State University, arguing that the U.S. needs to refocus on diplomatic solutions for national security. Also, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) agrees that we need to look beyond a military solution and utilize "...robust regional diplomacy.
After a recent meeting with Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the White House announced the goal of a long-term U.S. troop presence in Iraq. The White House did not seek the approval of Congress for this pending agreement. This "seriously constrain[s] the next administration's options for ending the U.S. presence [in Iraq]," and again brings up the question of the U.S. installing "enduring bases" in Iraq.
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed that all remaining British troops will leave the Basra region of Iraq by mid-December. Meanwhile, Poland could pull its troops by the summer of 2008, evidence that yet another member of the original "Coalition of the Willing" is now backing out of Iraq. Think Progress compiled a complete table of coalition countries that did not redeploy troops.
Also, check out the new documentary, Body of War, about a disabled Iraq War veteran.
Frustrated with the war? Want to do something about it? Sign up for an intense week of training, lobbying, and action through Campus Progress' upcoming regional Iraq Action Camps. We'll be holding them in Pennsylvania and Colorado in late spring - email Tanya if you are interested in attending one!
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATES
Recent policy victories for the Energy Bill (H.R.6) in Congress brought hope to climate activists with approval in the House, passing the Climate Security Act in the Senate, and substantial increases in Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for U.S. cars and trucks. But little remains of the bill activists had dreamed of. Thursday morning the Senate failed for the second time to end Republican-led debates and move to a final vote - by one vote! Even though the GOP had already succeeded in removing tax incentives for the renewable energy standard (RES), they refused move forward until increased taxes for major oil companies were also removed. The bill was stripped of this last tax provision to guarantee the passing vote that occurred Thursday evening. The end result is a watered-down version of the House bill with only increased CAFE standards claim as a victory for the climate movement.
Meanwhile, the international climate convention in Bali continues with major tensions surrounding US resistance to make cuts in greenhouse gas emissions for the renewal of the Kyoto Protocol. U.S. officials insist that the mandatory cuts are "too ambitious" and that targeting countries is an unfair economic burden. The U.S. expressed a similar attitude last month when the E.U. Parliament passed a proposal requiring steep emissions cuts for the airline industry. The U.S. defense? Such cuts are a "hindrance to international trade." As the conference comes to a close, disappointed international leaders are insisting on a U.S. compromise while shifting discussions to assisting under-developed countries cope with the inevitable consequences of global climate change.
Want to get more involved in the climate movement? You can join Campus Progress' national global warming campaign or start a climate campaign of your own. To learn how, email Jamie.
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY UPDATES
While students in California try to put tuition relief on the ballot, the House of Representatives is working on its version of the Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization. The bill would, among other things, encourage colleges to slow the rise in tuition, simplify the federal application for financial aid, help stop conflicts of interests in the financial aid system, and allow year-round Federal Pell Grants.
While the bill is another big step towards making college affordable, there have been some criticisms: it does not repeal the aid elimination penalty/drug provision; it does not address bankruptcy for private student loans; and it weakens regulation of for-profit schools. The Senate has already passed its version of the HEA reauthorization.
While everyone else is figuring out how to make college more affordable, President Bush vetoed an appropriations bill that would have increased funds for need-based grants and other programs to help low-income and disadvantaged students. The House tried to override the veto, but fell two votes short.
Also, the winner of the College Affordability Essay Contest has been announced - check out some of the great entries here.
ACADEMIC FREEDOM UPDATES
A lawmaker in Missouri recently introduced the "Emily Brooker Higher Education Sunshine Act," which is a politically motivated attempt to impose an outside standard of balance on the state's colleges and universities. The same thing (under a slightly different name) was proposed and narrowly defeated last year. If you are a Missouri student or faculty member and want to make your voice heard on this issue, contact organize@campusprogress.org.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) issued a statement that clarifies the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom, which has become the central document interpreting what academic freedom means in the United States.
Our partners at the Free Exchange on Campus Coalition interviewed AAUP President Cary Nelson to get the scoop on the statement as part of a series of interviews with academics and activists on academic freedom. The coalition also announced its new campaign - Campus Voices - that brings together students, faculty, and the public to discuss academic freedom and related issues on campus. They put together a toolkit to help organize events and pass student government resolutions, and are holding a video essay contest. If you want to get involved, email organize@campusprogress.org.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION UPDATES
While affirmative action programs and practices are challenged daily, Ward Connerly, the California businessman who successfully led ballot initiatives to eradicate affirmative action programs in California, Washington State, and Michigan plans to take his crusade to five more states.
In 2008, Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma will have anti-affirmative action state ballot initiatives.
Campus Progress, in partnership with the United States Student Association, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NAACP Youth and College and other national and state organizations is planning a student leadership conference convening early next semester to help build a strong case for diversity in our schools. Email Erica for more information.
YOUR ISSUE UPDATES
What other issues would YOU like to see covered in our activist newsletter? Each month, this section will hold news and information on the issues you care about, from genocide in Darfur to poverty to LGBT issues to health care... If it matters to you, email it to us and we'll include it in our next issue!
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ACTION ALERTS
End Racial Profiling Now
Racial profiling is a violation of civil rights. On December 13th, Senator Russ Feingold (WI), and Congressman John Conyers (MI) introduced The End Racial Profiling Act of 2007 (ERPA). If passed, the bill will create a federal prohibition against racial profiling; provide funding for the training of law enforcement officials on how to discontinue and prevent the use of racial profiling; and hold law enforcement officials and agencies that continue to use racial profiling accountable. Call your senators and member of Congress today at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to co-sponsor the ERPA so that it may receive the broad support and swift passage that it deserves.
Sand and Sorrow House Parties Recap
On Thursday, December 6th, Campus Progress teamed up with HBO and the ENOUGH project to host house parties across the country and screen the world premiere of "Sand & Sorrow." More than 100 people hosted parties and watched the powerful film in their homes, dorm rooms, churches, and schools. Afterwards, they joined a conference call with Samantha Power, Nick Kristof, and John Prendergast to talk about ways to get involved in the campaign to end the genocide in Darfur! Click here to view a podcast of the call!
STUDENT PROFILE
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"Green is not White."
- Tony Anderson
Morehouse College
Atlanta, GA
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Campus Progress Representative talks up Operation H.E.R.O.
Campus Progress Student Representative Melissa Sullivan was recently interviewed on News Channel 8, the local ABC station in Washington, D.C., about her work with Operation H.E.R.O., an organization she founded in 2005 to support young American soldiers fighting in the War in Iraq. To find out more about Operation H.E.R.O. or to participate in its upcoming holiday care package donation drive, please visit www.operationherocares.org.
Campus Progress Board Member on Diversity Matters Radio
Recently, Campus Progress Advisory Board member Adrian Shanker was featured on the Diversity Matters radio show. Adrian spoke about gender-based activism on campus and the importance of gender-identity inclusive non-discrimination statements, gender neutral housing, and race-gender conversations spurred by films like Byron Hurt's documentary, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes. Check out the podcast here.
Protesting from the Treetops
Over a year ago, Berkeley residents took to the trees to protest the university's plans to build a new sports facility on a site currently occupied by a grove of trees. The tree-dwellers have vowed to stay in the trees until the university considers alternate sites for the new facility. Do you think this kind of activism is productive or ridiculous? Sound off here.
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