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Philip Nel

@philnel.bsky.social

750 followers 560 following 660 posts

👨🏼‍🏫 Prof. he/him. 📚 Books on children's books & comics: https://philnel.com/writing/books/ 📷 IG: thephilnel 🐘 Mastodon: @[email protected] 🎵 Spotify: thephilnel 🐦 Twitter (deleted acct in 2022): @philnel

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Philip W. Nel is an American scholar of children's literature and University Distinguished Professor of English at Kansas State University. He is best known for his work on Dr. Seuss and Harry Potter, which has led to him being a guest on such media programs as CBS Sunday Morning, NPR's Morning Edition, Talk of the Nation, and CNN's Don Lemon Tonight. .. more

Art 33%

Communication & Media Studies 22%

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Philip Nel @philnel.bsky.social · Jul 26

1/2 ⬇️ This is an excellent idea & I am co-signing & invite my fellow academics to join me. Academia depends on a lot of unpaid labor. Withhold your labor from Columbia. ⬇️

James Grimmelmann @jtlg.bsky.social · Jul 25

In light of Columbia's capitulation to the Trump regime's illegal and extortionate demands, I have resolved not to write for Columbia publications, speak at Columbia events, or perform other free labor for a university that has repudated its values.

3d.laboratorium.net/2025-07-25-c...

Columbia’s Capitulation

Universities exist to promote the discovery, preservation, and transmission of knowledge. While they can help make to make a society virtuous, prosperous, and free, they do so by pursing their mission...

3d.laboratorium.net

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Philip Nel @philnel.bsky.social · 3h

Make America Sick Again! (Or: The Predictable Results of Putting a Quack in Charge of HHS.) #FireRFKJr

NPR @npr.org · 4h

In South Carolina, more than 150 unvaccinated schoolkids are under quarantine after being exposed to measles. Across the U.S., total case counts could be even higher than the official number. n.pr/4obbfnK

U.S. measles cases continue to climb, with outbreaks across the country

In South Carolina, more than 150 unvaccinated schoolkids are under quarantine after being exposed to measles. Across the U.S., total case counts could be even higher than the official number.

n.pr

Reposted by Philip Nel

NPR @npr.org · 4h

U.S. measles cases continue to climb, with outbreaks across the country

In South Carolina, more than 150 unvaccinated schoolkids are under quarantine after being exposed to measles. Across the U.S., total case counts could be even higher than the official number.

n.pr

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Reposted by Philip Nel

The Oregonian @oregonian.com · 7h

“We’re cold, but not as cold as ICE,” said a sign on one rider’s back.

Portland cyclists strip down in pouring rain to protest ICE facility and Trump troop deployment

“We’re cold, but not as cold as ICE,” said a sign on one rider’s back.

www.oregonlive.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

ProPublica @propublica.org · 9h

Current and former Department of Education employees: We want to hear from you.

Use Signal to contact our reporters @jsmithrichards.bsky.social at jsmithrichards.93, @jodiscohen.bsky.social at jodireporter.88 or @megomatz.bsky.social at 414-207-6225.

Help ProPublica Report on Education

ProPublica needs your help to track how the upheaval of public education is affecting schools and colleges in your community. Take a few minutes to join our source network and help guide our coverage.

www.propublica.org

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Rebecca Tushnet, Lesley Bartlett , and 1 more Philip Nel, Rebecca Tushnet, Lesley Bartlett, David Darmofal

NPR @npr.org · 9h

A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.

This 4-year-old's heart is failing. A federal grant that might help him was canceled

A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.

n.pr

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 9h

Interesting point here from @lutzfernandez.bsky.social: MAGA hates their designated enemies of the moment (blue America, migrants, etc) so much that they're enthusiastically taking their rage out on their children, too:
annelutzfernandez.substack.com/p/americas-a...

America’s Assault on Children

Using kids to consolidate authoritarianism

annelutzfernandez.substack.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel, David R. Miller

Emily "Babe" St. James @emilystjams.bsky.social · 9h

If we really put our heads together and keep the evening of December 24 clear, I am convinced we can Christmas Carol this man.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 9h

Trump: "I don't think there's anything that's gonna get me in heaven. I think I'm not maybe heaven bound. I may be in heaven right now as we fly on Air Force One. I'm not sure I'm gonna be able to make heaven."

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Pamela K. Gilbert, Jacob T. Levy , and 1 more Philip Nel, Pamela K. Gilbert, Jacob T. Levy, Scott A. Imberman

derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 9h

This two-parter below is exactly why it's hard to make clothes in the United States.

Let's look at how much it costs to produce a button-up shirt in the US. 🧵

Someone on Twitter replies to me: "meh. buy american or stfu."

Two hours later, in a separate thread, the write: "$30 for a single button-up is ridiculous unless it is decent quality silk."

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Timothy D. McBride

Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 1d

Chicago journalist Debbie Brockman, who was thrown to the ground & handcuffed by ICE, has been released without charges

DHS said she assaulted an officer, but eye witnesses claim she didn’t

The lack of charges makes it clear that ICE is lying to try and cover up the fact that they attack the press

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Reposted by Philip Nel

PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 @patriottakes.bsky.social · 1d

Trump golfing today during the government shutdown

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas @ebonyteach.blacksky.app · 1d

I see the light in our teacher candidates' eyes when they speak about working with young people.

We are light workers. I don't want that light hidden under a proverbial bushel. I want it to shine. God knows we need all the candles we can get in these bleak times.

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Reposted by Joe R. Feagin, Tom Shakespeare, Diane Ravitch , and 6 more Joe R. Feagin, Tom Shakespeare, Diane Ravitch, Patricia Aufderheide, Philip Nel, John Foot, W. Andy Knight, Anne Norton, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 1d

“No, Speaker Johnson — the No Kings rally on October 18 is not a hate America rally. In fact, it’s quite the contrary: It’s a love America rally.” #NoKings

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Ann Telnaes @anntelnaes.bsky.social · 1d

anntelnaes.substack.com/p/shot-in-th...

Shot in the head with pepper spray

This is Trump's America

anntelnaes.substack.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 1d

The Trump administration's latest layoffs include HUD staffers who investigate fair housing complaints, "disease detectives," and the team that publishes the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Donald Trump's war on public health enters a new phase

Another bad day at the CDC

www.motherjones.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

ACLU @aclu.org · 1d

The people have the power.

Communities in Portland and across the country are making it clear that troops don’t belong in our streets.

Kristi Noem came to Portland, and people protested with dogs, dancing: Get caught up

As U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Noem made the case for increased security, local officials repeated that the situation was well in hand.

www.oregonlive.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Ali Velshi @velshi.com · 1d

History does not unfold in discrete large moments, but in many small ones over the course of a continuous, chaotic timeline. All of us have a part to play in making change and fighting for democracy, but we must do so before the current timeline is in the rearview mirror. #Velshi

Velshi: We are all the authors of democracy – and must act in time to save it

In his novel “War and Peace,” the author Leo Tolstoy tells us that history does not unfold in discrete moments, but rather as a collection of small things that happen in a continuous, chaotic timeline. Ali Velshi explains the importance of taking in the chaotic timeline we are in, right now, before it passes us by. The survival of democracy relies on all of our collective stewardship and our recognizing the gravity of our current moment.

www.msnbc.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Boots on the Ground Midwest @bootsonthegroundkc.bsky.social · 1d

Join us for a safe, peaceful, and welcoming protest next Saturday😎

@indivisible.org
@50501movement.bsky.social
#NoKings

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Reposted by Stephen M. Walt, Philip Nel

James Fallows @jfallows.bsky.social · 1d

It's official:

-2025 is now a more threatening year for the survival of the republic than 1968.

-John Roberts will now go down in history as a worse chief justice than Roger "Dred Scott" Taney.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/u...

Federal Judges, Warning of ‘Judicial Crisis,’ Fault Supreme Court’s Emergency Orders

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Sanford F. Schram, Mark Rice

Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 1d

This week, MAGA figures claimed Kristi Noem "stared down" violent antifa protesters in Portland. Turns out they were talking mostly about a guy in a chicken suit.

This episode opens a window into how MAGA propaganda works and MSM failure to handle it. 1/

(new piece)
newrepublic.com/article/2016...

MAGA Implodes over Kristi Noem’s “Stare Down” with Man in Chicken Suit

A good New York Times piece on Portland nevertheless demonstrates how the conventions of objective reporting fail to accurately capture the bad faith driving pro-Trump propaganda.

newrepublic.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Avery Udagawa @averyudagawa.bsky.social · 2d

Read "Being Banned is Not an Award," @philnel.bsky.social's incisive piece for #IBBY #Bookbird 63:3, free through 31 Oct 2025: tinyurl.com/3hy62uye #BannedBooksWeek

Project MUSE - "Being Banned Is Not an Award"

tinyurl.com

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Reposted by Rosemary A. Joyce, Philip Nel, Alan Richardson , and 2 more Rosemary A. Joyce, Philip Nel, Alan Richardson, David Rosnick, Henrik Skaug Sætra

David Roberts @volts.wtf · 2d

Is it cancel culture when they threaten to kill you?

www.nj.com/news/2025/10...

Sold-out Ta-Nehisi Coates speaker appearance in N.J. canceled over security reasons

Organizers canceled a sold-out Ta-Nehisi Coates event in Montclair citing undisclosed security concerns.

www.nj.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Molly Jong-Fast @mollyjongfast.bsky.social · 2d

Why

www.politico.com/live-updates...

Democratic troop pay bill blocked in House amid shutdown

GOP leaders are seeking to keep pressure on Democrats to reopen the whole government.

www.politico.com

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Reposted by Shannon Vallor, Lisa W. Fazio, Nandita Sharma , and 36 more Shannon Vallor, Lisa W. Fazio, Nandita Sharma, Jonathan A. Eisen, Jocalyn Clark, Will Jennings, Jennifer A. Richeson, Julie L. Lockwood, Karen R. Lips, Joshua S. Weitz, Scott L. Greer, Steve Peers, Benjamin Mason Meier, Philip N. Cohen, Philip Nel, Daniel W. Drezner, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Robert C. Richards, Alan Richardson, Silvia Secchi, Aaron Sojourner, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Margot C. Finn, Jason Lyall, Mark Rice, Kent Johnson, Brian Weatherson, Mary Jane Curry, Claire L. Adida, Larry W. Hunter, Emily Evans, Richard M. Carpiano, David S. Tanenhaus, Aviel Roshwald, Jae-Young Son, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, Timothy D. McBride, Melinda Baldwin, David Darmofal

Sheryl Gay Stolberg @sherylnyt.bsky.social · 2d

BREAKING: Friday night massacre underway at CDC. Doznes of "disease detectives," high-level scientists, entire Washington staff and editors of the MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) have all been RIFed and received the following notice:

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Reposted by Philip Nel

Shantha Mohan, Ph.D., DTM @shlead.bsky.social · 2d

"Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."
- Langston Hughes

Wishing you a beautiful evening & a great weekend!💜 💚

#FlowersOnFriday
#FloralFriday
#PurpleFriday
#ImageandVerse

#dailyflowers 🌱
#flowerreport
#bloomscrolling

A cluster of purple verbena flowers.

Camera: iPhone 15 Pro.

August 2025. From a neighborhood walk.

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Alan Richardson, Julia Lynch , and 2 more Philip Nel, Alan Richardson, Julia Lynch, Scott A. Imberman, Suzanne Conklin Akbari

Nora Reed (they/them ze/hir) @nora.zone · 2d

cry havoc and let slip the frogs of war

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Reposted by Philip Nel

IFC Center @ifccenter.bsky.social · 2d

Artfully combining modern and archival footage, dramatic readings from George Orwell’s diary, and interviews, Raoul Peck’s ORWELL: 2+2=5 is “a vital film,” raves The Hollywood Reporter

A fulsome and eerie portrait of modern literature’s greatest oracle. Now playing!
ifccenter.com/films/orwell...

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Philip Nel @philnel.bsky.social · 2d

Thanks, Harold! I appreciate you sharing via social media — and with the people in your workshop.

Philip Nel @philnel.bsky.social · 2d

Thanks, Nick! 🖍️ Crayons of the world, unite!

Philip Nel @philnel.bsky.social · 2d

Harold and the Purple Crayon is a manifesto for human creativity disguised as a children's book. I wrote about it.
blog.oup.com/2025/10/turn...

Turn off AI. Pick up a crayon.

Google Gemini offers “a new way to bring your imagination to life.” Adobe Firefly promises “The ultimate creative AI solution.” And Craiyon invites you to “Create AI Art.” Don't believe the tech hype.

blog.oup.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Els Torreele

Mark Jacob @markjacob.bsky.social · 3d

If you love your country, you must find a way to get to a No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18. Go to this link to find an event near you. Bring your family and friends.
These protests are an upper, not a downer. They're proof positive that many of us are determined to defend our democracy.

No Kings

As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power ...

www.nokings.org

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