Lawmakers Call for Free Access to Publicly Funded Scientific ResearchTwo Democratic senators launched an effort to create policy that supports public-access for federal research programs focusing on equity, sustainable development and strategic technological development. In a letter sent to the director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Edward Markey, D-Mass, requested free public access to research publications in an effort to further scientific understanding, as well as make taxpayer-funded endeavors accessible to members of the public. Citing the subscription model many scientific and academic journals utilize to publish peer-reviewed studies, coupled with an increasing need for new research amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Wyden and Markey write that Americans need free access to scientific literature. They also note that other comparable nations, specifically the European Commission and the United Kingdom, have policies in place to promote free access to critical research.They argue the OSTP should establish a nationwide open-access program. ( Nextgov - Feb. 24, 2022)
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First Native American to Lead National Endowment for the Humanities Says the Agency Can Strengthen Democracy[Shelly C. Lowe] is the first Native American and only the second woman to lead the federal agency known as the [ National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)], charged with promoting history and the humanities to all Americans. “I do think that if we can address education and empower people, it will make a difference,” she said. At stake is the health of American democracy. In her first interview since being sworn in on Feb. 14, Lowe described the importance of the endowment as a civic and cultural agency that can help the United States at a time when history and education are under attack. Lowe says education is the key. “The [NEH] legislation really points out the importance of the humanities to a democratic society,” she said. Lowe said it was too early to discuss a broad vision for the agency, but she declared herself committed to diversity and equity and to ensuring that the endowment reaches organizations and areas that it hasn’t engaged in the past. ( The Washington Post - Feb. 25, 2022)
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AAU, Associations Urge Congress to Increase Research Investments in USDAAAU joined 50 other associations in sending a letter encouraging members of the Agriculture Subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to support “increased investments to advance agricultural research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)” in the FY22 agriculture appropriations bill. “Federal investments in the broad suite of research, education, and extension programs within USDA is critical to ensuring agricultural resilience, nutrition security, and food systems sustainability,” the letter stated. The letter asks lawmakers to provide $450 million in funding for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, which supports research to “address challenges in public health, food production, national security, and global competitiveness.” The letter also asks for $2 million in funding for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority, which supports “transformational, high-risk, high-reward agricultural research and development within USDA.” With the American food and agricultural enterprise facing “unprecedented challenges” due to climate change and threats from pests and diseases, investments in USDA research and education programs will be crucial to “developing the scientific outcomes and workforce urgently needed to meet identified and as-yet unknown challenges in the future,” the letter said. ( American Association of Universities - Feb. 25, 2022)
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CGS Sends Higher Education Priorities Letter to CongressThis week, [the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)] sent a letter to Members of Congress regarding issues of importance to the association. Specifically, CGS called upon Members of the 117th Congress to support federal legislation and policies that improve access to graduate education, promote the United States as a global leader, and create a more equitable and prosperous society for all. A high priority for CGS is the expansion of access to the Pell Grant Program to graduate students. This program has served the undergraduate student population well, but it is now time to expand the program to support graduate students. In addition to financial support for graduate students, the letter encourages Congress to make robust investments in graduate education and research, as well as support federal policies and legislation that promote greater diversity and inclusion in higher education. ( Council of Graduate Schools - Feb. 25, 2022)
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Democrats Press Education Secretary over Plans to Resume Student Loan Payments
A group of Democrats sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona this week pressing for further information about how the administration plans to resume federal student loan payments and ensure borrowers receive adequate support. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and Colin Allred (D-Tex.) led their colleagues in a letter to Cardona on Wednesday, seeking “additional detail on the scheduled resumption of federal student loan payments following the expiration of the payment pause on May 1, 2022.” Lawmakers are pressing the department [for] information on timing for due dates of student loan payments; when the latest first payment is due; how long borrowers who don’t make payments following the May deadline have until they become delinquent; are charged late fees; and have negative credit reports triggered, among other things. Lawmakers are requesting answers by March 9. ( The Hill - Feb. 24, 2022)
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Leader Picked for White House Office on HBCUsDietra Trent will become the leader of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities Monday. A graduate of Hampton University, she has worked in Virginia education in large part on behalf of disadvantaged students. Most recently, she served in several leadership positions at George Mason University, including as chief of staff and interim vice president for compliance, diversity and ethics. In 2016, Trent was appointed Virginia’s secretary of education. Prior to her appointment, she served as deputy secretary of education. ( Inside Higher Ed - Feb. 25, 2022)
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