There is perhaps no more egregious example in modern
history of the mixing of religion with politics than the ongoing
dispute over the who is the "real" Panchen Lama of Tibet. It's a
story full of superstition, deceit, abduction, censorship,
propaganda, and indoctrination affecting millions of people in
Asia and elsewhere. (Read Article)
Dilemmas of Public Education:
The Myth of Competition and the Case Against School "Choice"
by Gregory Shafer
When proponents of public school voucher plans and the
privitization of education say their approach will empower parents
by giving them more educational "choice," what counter arguments
should we offer?
School Uniforms: The Answer to Violence in American Schools or a
Cheap Educational Reform?
by Julia Wilkins
Although the Clinton administration has endorsed school
uniforms as a major solution for what ails public education, a
careful analysis shows that such a plan will create more problems
than it will solve.
Out of Line
by Julie Ede Campbell
What do we value in our students: creativity and
experimentation or compliance and docility? A former student looks
back at her successful escape from the oppressive methods of her
teachers and offers a humanist vision.
The Gay/Lesbian Teacher as Role Model
by Kenneth Pobo
What valuable lessons are students missing when teachers
with minority sexual preferences stay in the closet and limit
their teaching to "safe" subjects?
The Educational Crisis at Home
by Barry Bennett
When educational reforms consistently fail, perhaps it's
time to bark up a different tree — and stop demanding
accountability from everyone but ourselves.
Also:
In Algeria's Killing Fields: A Hidden Government Role?
by Elie Chalala
The ongoing Algerian civil war may have started as a
battle to establish an Islamic state, but increasing evidence
shows that the war today — at least in part — is being fueled by
the economic greed of a secular government.
Trial by Torture
by Abderrahim Sabir
Enlightened laws and international agreements won't
benefit the victims of human rights abuses, particularly in the
Middle East, until the concept of human rights is fully integrated
into the culture.
