Joanna Kenty
@jokenty.bsky.social
Former professor of Latin/Roman history, author of Cicero’s Political Personae (2020). I write Humanist, a blog about teaching humanities in higher ed (humanist.ghost.io), and write about democracy for The Renovator (therenovator.substack.com). She/her
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
Had you told me as we were writing the AI Bill of Rights that DeSantis would embrace not just @alondra.bsky.social’s vision for a future where AI isn’t inevitable - but also her language rooting that future in people’s rights - I’d have laughed. But makes sense. Not just good policy; it’s popular.
December 6, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Had you told me as we were writing the AI Bill of Rights that DeSantis would embrace not just @alondra.bsky.social’s vision for a future where AI isn’t inevitable - but also her language rooting that future in people’s rights - I’d have laughed. But makes sense. Not just good policy; it’s popular.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
h/t @robertfreundlaw.bsky.social
holy shit, an accurate legal critique of LLMs. LLMs don't reason because they're just stitching together plausible-looking sentences indifferent to the content
holy shit, an accurate legal critique of LLMs. LLMs don't reason because they're just stitching together plausible-looking sentences indifferent to the content
December 3, 2025 at 7:51 PM
h/t @robertfreundlaw.bsky.social
holy shit, an accurate legal critique of LLMs. LLMs don't reason because they're just stitching together plausible-looking sentences indifferent to the content
holy shit, an accurate legal critique of LLMs. LLMs don't reason because they're just stitching together plausible-looking sentences indifferent to the content
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
My employer, Dartmouth College, today boasts it's 1st Ivy "to launch AI at an institutional scale." It is doing this by partnering--"more than a collaboration"--with Anthropic, a company that stole the books of many faculty, me included, which many of us are suing.
December 4, 2025 at 9:38 PM
My employer, Dartmouth College, today boasts it's 1st Ivy "to launch AI at an institutional scale." It is doing this by partnering--"more than a collaboration"--with Anthropic, a company that stole the books of many faculty, me included, which many of us are suing.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
It's wild that in the richest country in the world, every winter, we have to scramble to make sure people don't freeze to death when they sleep outside. And still, we know many will die.
Instead, we could solve homelessness with housing and support.
Boggles my mind every year.
Instead, we could solve homelessness with housing and support.
Boggles my mind every year.
December 5, 2025 at 12:04 AM
It's wild that in the richest country in the world, every winter, we have to scramble to make sure people don't freeze to death when they sleep outside. And still, we know many will die.
Instead, we could solve homelessness with housing and support.
Boggles my mind every year.
Instead, we could solve homelessness with housing and support.
Boggles my mind every year.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
Pasts Imperfect (12.4.25)
pasts-imperfect.ghost.io/pasts-imperf...
pasts-imperfect.ghost.io/pasts-imperf...
Pasts Imperfect (12.4.25)
This week, the one and only Tori Lee returns with her annual ancient world gift guide. Then, racing to preserve Sudan's cultural heritage, a new study on domestic cats assesses the leopard cats of anc...
pasts-imperfect.ghost.io
December 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Pasts Imperfect (12.4.25)
pasts-imperfect.ghost.io/pasts-imperf...
pasts-imperfect.ghost.io/pasts-imperf...
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
The winners for my higher ed policy class! So, if you want a nice place to start learning about higher education policy, you could always start with some of these from great folks like @tressiemcphd.bsky.social @alexanderfurnas.com & @robertkelchen.com (thanks for your great work!).
December 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
The winners for my higher ed policy class! So, if you want a nice place to start learning about higher education policy, you could always start with some of these from great folks like @tressiemcphd.bsky.social @alexanderfurnas.com & @robertkelchen.com (thanks for your great work!).
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
New from Humanist: a departure from my attempts to digest the scholarship of teaching and learning, for a detour into my lunatic Cicero brain (sorry not sorry)
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
Why we should all be teaching Cicero's "Pro Marcello"
In a state of uncertainty, there are difficult ethical decisions to be made. Cicero did not take the most ethically rigorous stance, but I think that makes him more interesting to think with, especial...
humanist.ghost.io
December 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM
New from Humanist: a departure from my attempts to digest the scholarship of teaching and learning, for a detour into my lunatic Cicero brain (sorry not sorry)
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
New from Humanist: a departure from my attempts to digest the scholarship of teaching and learning, for a detour into my lunatic Cicero brain (sorry not sorry)
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
Why we should all be teaching Cicero's "Pro Marcello"
In a state of uncertainty, there are difficult ethical decisions to be made. Cicero did not take the most ethically rigorous stance, but I think that makes him more interesting to think with, especial...
humanist.ghost.io
December 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM
New from Humanist: a departure from my attempts to digest the scholarship of teaching and learning, for a detour into my lunatic Cicero brain (sorry not sorry)
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
#AncientBlueSky
#ClassicsBlueSky
#AcademicSky
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
In my research (and teaching experience), I learned there were a lot of academic accommodations that work better for survivors and facilitate more learning across the semester, including:
- Waiving missed small assignments to allow a student to focus on more important things
- Waiving missed small assignments to allow a student to focus on more important things
December 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In my research (and teaching experience), I learned there were a lot of academic accommodations that work better for survivors and facilitate more learning across the semester, including:
- Waiving missed small assignments to allow a student to focus on more important things
- Waiving missed small assignments to allow a student to focus on more important things
From a Princeton dean:
“This is welcome news. Studying the humanities… isn’t an impractical luxury. …
The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it and excel while doing so.” 🎁
“This is welcome news. Studying the humanities… isn’t an impractical luxury. …
The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it and excel while doing so.” 🎁
A humanities degree is still a smart investment|Opinion
The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it and excel while doing so.
share.inquirer.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:38 PM
From a Princeton dean:
“This is welcome news. Studying the humanities… isn’t an impractical luxury. …
The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it and excel while doing so.” 🎁
“This is welcome news. Studying the humanities… isn’t an impractical luxury. …
The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it and excel while doing so.” 🎁
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
TX Tech has a flow chat for guidance on what can be taught in the university system. Two things:
1. Very little content seems to be permitted. This is partisan control of the curriculum.
2. I would not enjoy teaching under these conditions, but I really would not want to be a Chair or Dean.
1. Very little content seems to be permitted. This is partisan control of the curriculum.
2. I would not enjoy teaching under these conditions, but I really would not want to be a Chair or Dean.
December 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
TX Tech has a flow chat for guidance on what can be taught in the university system. Two things:
1. Very little content seems to be permitted. This is partisan control of the curriculum.
2. I would not enjoy teaching under these conditions, but I really would not want to be a Chair or Dean.
1. Very little content seems to be permitted. This is partisan control of the curriculum.
2. I would not enjoy teaching under these conditions, but I really would not want to be a Chair or Dean.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
If you are a chair of a department or supervise grad students, it might be important to collaborate with your colleagues on ways to strategize when a "problem essay" comes down the pike. It's one small way of protecting each other.
December 1, 2025 at 7:29 PM
If you are a chair of a department or supervise grad students, it might be important to collaborate with your colleagues on ways to strategize when a "problem essay" comes down the pike. It's one small way of protecting each other.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
New civic education news roundup from @jokenty.bsky.social! We highlight some really impressive stories of success in civil dialogue on campus, and a round of thought pieces about new Schools for Civic Thought.
Civic Education News Roundup: the Semiquincentennial, Gen Z Civic Vibe Check, and successes in civil dialogue.
Civic Learning Week (CLW) is a weeklong, high-profile spotlight on the importance of civic learning, engagement, and leadership.
therenovator.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:06 PM
New civic education news roundup from @jokenty.bsky.social! We highlight some really impressive stories of success in civil dialogue on campus, and a round of thought pieces about new Schools for Civic Thought.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
“Berg's point is that AI doesn't merely automate tasks — it automates the very processes through which people develop their skills.”
We can't really say this enough...
> Anastasia Berg [at UCL Irvine] said that new research — and what she's hearing directly from colleagues across various industries — shows that employees who heavily rely on AI are losing core skills at a startling rate.
www.businessinsider.com/ai-tools-are...
> Anastasia Berg [at UCL Irvine] said that new research — and what she's hearing directly from colleagues across various industries — shows that employees who heavily rely on AI are losing core skills at a startling rate.
www.businessinsider.com/ai-tools-are...
AI tools are 'deskilling' workers, philosophy professor says
A philosophy professor warns that AI reliance is weakening workers' judgment, creativity, and problem-solving.
www.businessinsider.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
“Berg's point is that AI doesn't merely automate tasks — it automates the very processes through which people develop their skills.”
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
Really interesting thread. I’ve experienced some of this in my classes, too. About 15-20% of my students are really struggling. I’ve seen some universities implement a first year seminar to help students with some of the more fundamental skills of university work. I think this is a great idea.
An issue we're seeing at all levels of university is that many students are simply refusing to do *anything*. They aren't reading the syllabus, aren't following assignment guidelines, aren't engaging with material, ignoring deadlines. And this might seem like old news, but it truly has ramped up.
November 30, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Really interesting thread. I’ve experienced some of this in my classes, too. About 15-20% of my students are really struggling. I’ve seen some universities implement a first year seminar to help students with some of the more fundamental skills of university work. I think this is a great idea.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
can we recognize how the TA handled the entire incident thoughtfully and flawlessly, not that they should have to. but the contrast between their behavior and the student’s is night and day
November 30, 2025 at 11:39 PM
can we recognize how the TA handled the entire incident thoughtfully and flawlessly, not that they should have to. but the contrast between their behavior and the student’s is night and day
From Domus Aurea to Baths of Titus?
It should go without saying that the next president must demolish the ballroom and replace it with something explicitly anti fascist and pro multiracial democracy. Funded by taxpayers.
December 1, 2025 at 1:47 AM
From Domus Aurea to Baths of Titus?
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
The Boston Globe identified the companies in Massachusetts that employ the most SNAP recipients. A key stat: "In Massachusetts, 74% of working-age recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are employed, half of them full-time."
Full article: www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/m...
Full article: www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/m...
November 29, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The Boston Globe identified the companies in Massachusetts that employ the most SNAP recipients. A key stat: "In Massachusetts, 74% of working-age recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are employed, half of them full-time."
Full article: www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/m...
Full article: www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/28/m...
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
This a thread about one feature of the Trump Admin's EO regarding the Smithsonian that I haven't seen much explicit discussion of. The stated purpose for reviewing Smithsonian exhibits and collections is to ensure they align with something called "Americanism." That term has a notable genealogy.
August 16, 2025 at 2:22 PM
This a thread about one feature of the Trump Admin's EO regarding the Smithsonian that I haven't seen much explicit discussion of. The stated purpose for reviewing Smithsonian exhibits and collections is to ensure they align with something called "Americanism." That term has a notable genealogy.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
yes, hello, I would like to place an order for everyone’s funniest stories of holiday food-related family grudges / drama / chaotic incidents / lore
I feel like we need this
I feel like we need this
November 24, 2025 at 11:39 PM
yes, hello, I would like to place an order for everyone’s funniest stories of holiday food-related family grudges / drama / chaotic incidents / lore
I feel like we need this
I feel like we need this
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
the replies to @clairewillett.bsky.social’s prompt are incredible
there’s no shame in not knowing how to do something
but when you know you don’t know how to do something AND you don’t check??
there’s no shame in not knowing how to do something
but when you know you don’t know how to do something AND you don’t check??
My aunt who famously can’t cook tried to make a pumpkin pie. She didn’t know what cloves were, so she put garlic cloves in it. Whole.
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 AM
the replies to @clairewillett.bsky.social’s prompt are incredible
there’s no shame in not knowing how to do something
but when you know you don’t know how to do something AND you don’t check??
there’s no shame in not knowing how to do something
but when you know you don’t know how to do something AND you don’t check??
Loving this story about the need for humanities education, articulated by a CEO with a background in chemistry and business:
A Humane Education
The humanities are more than just a collection of required classes. They are essential for helping students learn about themselves and how to interact with the people and world around them.
substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Loving this story about the need for humanities education, articulated by a CEO with a background in chemistry and business:
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
This week we're republishing Danielle's series about how American democracy right now is like a bear stuck in a trap, being attacked by wolves, with a wildfire looming on the horizon. Sounds bad, but there are ways to get out of it! A good thing to read over this holiday.
America is a Bear in a Trap
How to free America from the trap of an election system captured by party processes gone wrong.
therenovator.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
This week we're republishing Danielle's series about how American democracy right now is like a bear stuck in a trap, being attacked by wolves, with a wildfire looming on the horizon. Sounds bad, but there are ways to get out of it! A good thing to read over this holiday.
Reposted by Joanna Kenty
Educators still using OpenAI products in your teaching: please read this thread and then tell me why it’s so important to maintain a relationship with this gross company and its leaders.
NEW - OpenAI has responded to the lawsuit from the family of Adam Raine, the teen who committed suicide after months of talking to ChatGPT.
November 26, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Educators still using OpenAI products in your teaching: please read this thread and then tell me why it’s so important to maintain a relationship with this gross company and its leaders.