Friday Politics Roundup for December 9, 2022

 

This week the Supreme Court heard arguments in Moore v. Harper. The case will test the Court’s willingness to embrace a fringe Constitutional theory - the so-called “independent state legislature” theory - which would give power to state legislatures to override the results of democratic elections. 

Raphael Warnock wins the Georgia runoff. 

U.S. colleges and universities are facing a “crisis.” The shock doctrine “sky-is-falling” narrative tells a tale of natural disaster while political choices and destructive managerial policies and trends are largely excused. 

Kyrsten Sinema announced that she is changing her party affiliation to “independent.” 

WNBA star Brittney Griner returns to the U.S. after spending months in a Russian prison.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Education has released standards for “culturally relevant and sustaining education” that seeks to integrate policies similar to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives that drove right-wing extremists to flood school board meetings with conspiracy theories and vitriol.  

Pennridge School District moves forward with a plan to cut social studies requirements despite strong opposition from parents, teachers, students, and members of the community. The school board voted 5-4 to move ahead with the cuts after a contentious debate even among members of the board. 

Starbucks in Whitehall, PA voted to unionize! The Starbucks on MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township now has a union. The location’s staff voted 16-10 in favor of forming a union with Starbucks Workers United.