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Podcast: Civic learning amid the culture wars

Podcast: Civic learning amid the culture wars

More than ever, civic learning is needed to ensure each and every person across this country has the necessary tools to engage as members of our self-governing society. However, schools are also a growing part of the culture wars. According to a 2022 National Education Association Survey, nearly half of schools reported challenges teaching about race and racism and practices related to LGBTQ students in the classroom. As we've discussed before on the show, book bans, funding cuts, and teacher shortages are also making teaching anything — let alone civics — more difficult. At this critical juncture, Civic Learning Week unites students, educators, policymakers, and private sector leaders to energize the movement for civic education across the nation.

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Washington’s Domestic Workers Win Protections After Years of Organizing

Years of rallying on the steps of the Capitol building, marching through streets and testifying before legislators have paid off for Washington’s house cleaners, childcare providers, gardeners and their supporters.

On March 9, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights into law, making Washington the 13th state to ensure basic labor protections for domestic workers, according to the domestic employers network Hand in Hand. These rights include fair pay, written contracts and protection from discrimination for workers doing domestic services in a private residence.

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Historical documents representing founding principles of United States on flag backdrop

As the US Constitution turns 250, one expert argues it was designed as an antidote to tyranny — and warns that antidote is now at risk.

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Why the Constitution Remains Our Defense Against Tyranny

There are many analogies for constitutions, for example, a social contract, a blueprint, a roadmap. But as we mark the 250th birthday of the United States of America, I propose another: constitution as antidote.

Constitutions are always intentionally and carefully designed, more often than not as antidotes to heal and ward off ills that a country wishes - or existentially needs - to avoid. This is, and has historically been, true all around the world, although the study of how constitutions and constitutional change can address root causes of conflict and instability has evolved greatly, allowing us to harness their healing power more effectively.

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