Marc Spooner
@drmarcspooner.bsky.social
Professor, Fac of Ed, University of Regina. Social/ political commentator. Say no to irresponsible austerity! opinions are yours
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Banks, consultancy firms position chronic underfunding as an opportunity to reform and repurpose universities, rather than as a rallying cry to garner support, break out of somnambulance, and get to the upstream cause of many of the problems.
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
Not all calls for public funding are good - CAUT
Program cuts, layoffs and campus closures are making headlines across the country.
www.caut.ca
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Banks, consultancy firms position chronic underfunding as an opportunity to reform and repurpose universities, rather than as a rallying cry to garner support, break out of somnambulance, and get to the upstream cause of many of the problems.
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
Reposted by Marc Spooner
"According to the bill, any activities related to the launching of legal challenges over the constitutionality or validity of laws, the running of ad campaigns or a union's participation in social movements would all fall under the optional due model."
Quebec union leaders slam proposed labour law ahead of parliamentary hearings | CBC News
Under Bill 3, any activities deemed to be outside of a union's primary mission wouldn't be eligible for financing via mandatory fees, but through optional ones only. Optional dues would also have to b...
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 1:21 PM
"According to the bill, any activities related to the launching of legal challenges over the constitutionality or validity of laws, the running of ad campaigns or a union's participation in social movements would all fall under the optional due model."
Banks, consultancy firms position chronic underfunding as an opportunity to reform and repurpose universities, rather than as a rallying cry to garner support, break out of somnambulance, and get to the upstream cause of many of the problems.
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
Not all calls for public funding are good - CAUT
Program cuts, layoffs and campus closures are making headlines across the country.
www.caut.ca
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Banks, consultancy firms position chronic underfunding as an opportunity to reform and repurpose universities, rather than as a rallying cry to garner support, break out of somnambulance, and get to the upstream cause of many of the problems.
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
www.caut.ca/bulletin/not...
Reposted by Marc Spooner
"It is cruelty & political indoctrination. I'd need to tell my students that ‘What you came here to learn, I’m unable to tell you, because I’m restricted to tell you that information, even though such knowledge is available at every major university in this world.’"
— Leonard Bright, AAUP TAMU
— Leonard Bright, AAUP TAMU
Texas A&M Requires Approval for Courses That “Advocate” Certain Ideologies
Many faculty members decried the new restrictions on race- and gender-related courses as an assault on academic freedom. Meanwhile, the board also discussed a once-per-semester systemwide course revie...
www.insidehighered.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"It is cruelty & political indoctrination. I'd need to tell my students that ‘What you came here to learn, I’m unable to tell you, because I’m restricted to tell you that information, even though such knowledge is available at every major university in this world.’"
— Leonard Bright, AAUP TAMU
— Leonard Bright, AAUP TAMU
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Without academic freedom, academics cannot ask critical questions, conduct new research or feel secure to challenge established orthodoxy. This is a clear violation of such freedoms at the centre of the modern university. This is an affront to the academy.
Texas A&M Tightens Rules on Talking About Race and Gender in Classes
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Without academic freedom, academics cannot ask critical questions, conduct new research or feel secure to challenge established orthodoxy. This is a clear violation of such freedoms at the centre of the modern university. This is an affront to the academy.
Get your advance pre-order in at 25% off!
"At a time when universities are being defunded by governments and vilified by ultra-conservative pundits, defining their value has never been more urgent”
uofrpress.ca/Books/K/Know...
"At a time when universities are being defunded by governments and vilified by ultra-conservative pundits, defining their value has never been more urgent”
uofrpress.ca/Books/K/Know...
Knowledge Under Siege
At a time when universities are being defunded by governments and vilified by ultra-conservative pundits, defining their value has never been more urgentFor decades, efforts to quantify the value of u...
uofrpress.ca
November 13, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Get your advance pre-order in at 25% off!
"At a time when universities are being defunded by governments and vilified by ultra-conservative pundits, defining their value has never been more urgent”
uofrpress.ca/Books/K/Know...
"At a time when universities are being defunded by governments and vilified by ultra-conservative pundits, defining their value has never been more urgent”
uofrpress.ca/Books/K/Know...
Standardized tests aren’t good enough for lawyers— But we’re adding more of them for kids in Sask, Alberta & Manitoba?
“…considering scrapping the bar exam & replacing it….to address concerns that the time-constrained test is ineffective at assessing…”
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
“…considering scrapping the bar exam & replacing it….to address concerns that the time-constrained test is ineffective at assessing…”
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Law Society of Ontario considers replacing bar exam with skills-based course
Move would make Ontario one of several provinces shifting away from test-based licensing
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Standardized tests aren’t good enough for lawyers— But we’re adding more of them for kids in Sask, Alberta & Manitoba?
“…considering scrapping the bar exam & replacing it….to address concerns that the time-constrained test is ineffective at assessing…”
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
“…considering scrapping the bar exam & replacing it….to address concerns that the time-constrained test is ineffective at assessing…”
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Reposted by Marc Spooner
In a message obtained by Congress, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein wrote that Trump spent hours at his house with one of Epstein’s victims
Epstein Alleged in Emails That Trump Knew of His Conduct
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
In a message obtained by Congress, the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein wrote that Trump spent hours at his house with one of Epstein’s victims
Reposted by Marc Spooner
The AAUP condemns proposals before the Texas A&M Board of Regents that require the college president to approve “course content & materials” for courses that cover topics on “race, gender ideology, or gender identity.”
Full statement:
aaup-texas.org/blog/f/natio...
@texasaaup.bsky.social
Full statement:
aaup-texas.org/blog/f/natio...
@texasaaup.bsky.social
National AAUP Demands End to Texas A&M Censorship
JOIN: Join Texas AAUP and here are several reasons to join
aaup-texas.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The AAUP condemns proposals before the Texas A&M Board of Regents that require the college president to approve “course content & materials” for courses that cover topics on “race, gender ideology, or gender identity.”
Full statement:
aaup-texas.org/blog/f/natio...
@texasaaup.bsky.social
Full statement:
aaup-texas.org/blog/f/natio...
@texasaaup.bsky.social
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone.
thestarphoenix.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Great piece Marc!
"Invoking the notwithstanding clause to short-circuit collective bargaining makes a mockery of the democratic process. It tells educators, parents, and students alike that your voices don’t count."
"Invoking the notwithstanding clause to short-circuit collective bargaining makes a mockery of the democratic process. It tells educators, parents, and students alike that your voices don’t count."
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone.
thestarphoenix.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Great piece Marc!
"Invoking the notwithstanding clause to short-circuit collective bargaining makes a mockery of the democratic process. It tells educators, parents, and students alike that your voices don’t count."
"Invoking the notwithstanding clause to short-circuit collective bargaining makes a mockery of the democratic process. It tells educators, parents, and students alike that your voices don’t count."
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone.
thestarphoenix.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Opinion: Governments that silence teachers hurt students
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
What these premiers don’t understand or are unwilling to acknowledge is that teacher strikes are rarely about pay alone. They are acts of advocacy for the conditions that make real learning possible.
thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Danielle Smith is surprised that Albertans are using recall legislation for its intended purpose.
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
UCP: "Recall legislation for thee, not for me"
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Danielle Smith is surprised that Albertans are using recall legislation for its intended purpose.
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
No room for debate
Postmedia quietly whittles away local viewpoints from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Photo by P.W. Elliott
j-source.ca/no-room-for-...
Postmedia quietly whittles away local viewpoints from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Photo by P.W. Elliott
j-source.ca/no-room-for-...
No room for debate - J-Source
Postmedia quietly whittles away local viewpoints from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Photo by P.W. Elliott
j-source.ca
November 6, 2025 at 9:07 PM
No room for debate
Postmedia quietly whittles away local viewpoints from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Photo by P.W. Elliott
j-source.ca/no-room-for-...
Postmedia quietly whittles away local viewpoints from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post. Photo by P.W. Elliott
j-source.ca/no-room-for-...
So pleased to see the Supreme Court will proceed with the case to determine whether the Government of Saskatchewan has violated our rights and freedoms with Bill 137, the so-called pronoun case. 1/3
November 6, 2025 at 9:02 PM
So pleased to see the Supreme Court will proceed with the case to determine whether the Government of Saskatchewan has violated our rights and freedoms with Bill 137, the so-called pronoun case. 1/3
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Mamdani: "My message to ICE agents & to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate it, you must be held accountable. There is sadly a sense growing that certain people are allowed to violate that law, whether they be POTUS or ICE agents."
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Mamdani: "My message to ICE agents & to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate it, you must be held accountable. There is sadly a sense growing that certain people are allowed to violate that law, whether they be POTUS or ICE agents."
Not a fan of floor crossers, but can’t help picturing Danielle Smith watching her base complain on socials
a stuffed monkey wearing a green shirt and overalls is standing in front of a body of water .
ALT: a stuffed monkey wearing a green shirt and overalls is standing in front of a body of water .
media.tenor.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Not a fan of floor crossers, but can’t help picturing Danielle Smith watching her base complain on socials
Hey look the unoriginal zombie catchphrases of some of my biggest and most rabid rightwing commentators:
Globe & Mail-
Globe & Mail-
November 5, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Hey look the unoriginal zombie catchphrases of some of my biggest and most rabid rightwing commentators:
Globe & Mail-
Globe & Mail-
Some hope in dark times
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Some hope in dark times
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Nothing is inevitable. Effort is everything. Ignore the polls and run through the tape.
Vote: zohranfornyc.com/vote
Canvass + phonebank: zohranfornyc.com/gotv
Vote: zohranfornyc.com/vote
Canvass + phonebank: zohranfornyc.com/gotv
October 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Nothing is inevitable. Effort is everything. Ignore the polls and run through the tape.
Vote: zohranfornyc.com/vote
Canvass + phonebank: zohranfornyc.com/gotv
Vote: zohranfornyc.com/vote
Canvass + phonebank: zohranfornyc.com/gotv
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Karoline Leavitt officially announced the "Launch of a large-scale investigation to find the people behind 'No Kings.'"
I've saved her some time.
I've saved her some time.
October 29, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Karoline Leavitt officially announced the "Launch of a large-scale investigation to find the people behind 'No Kings.'"
I've saved her some time.
I've saved her some time.
Reposted by Marc Spooner
Reposted by Marc Spooner
"Mate, I can't do anything but tell it to you straight. This Canada thing is literally the dumbest thing I've ever heard. The Canadians ran an advertisement showing Ronald Reagan being against tariffs. Guess what? Ronald Reagan was against tariffs."
October 25, 2025 at 6:24 PM
"Mate, I can't do anything but tell it to you straight. This Canada thing is literally the dumbest thing I've ever heard. The Canadians ran an advertisement showing Ronald Reagan being against tariffs. Guess what? Ronald Reagan was against tariffs."
The process of creeping authoritarianism moves incrementally in stages, and there is no fixed sequence that all such instances must traverse.
diamond-democracy.stanford.edu/speaking/spe...
diamond-democracy.stanford.edu/speaking/spe...
October 24, 2025 at 6:03 AM
The process of creeping authoritarianism moves incrementally in stages, and there is no fixed sequence that all such instances must traverse.
diamond-democracy.stanford.edu/speaking/spe...
diamond-democracy.stanford.edu/speaking/spe...
Let's face it, if it wasn't the Progressive Conservative's ad from Ontario, it might have been the Blue Jays winning a game or gosh forbid the whole series! There's no making sense of madness. Full Stop.
youtu.be/hN_CVvzExpM?...
youtu.be/hN_CVvzExpM?...
Ontario launches $75 million ad campaign using the words of Ronald Reagan to argue against tariffs.
YouTube video by Toronto Sun
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Let's face it, if it wasn't the Progressive Conservative's ad from Ontario, it might have been the Blue Jays winning a game or gosh forbid the whole series! There's no making sense of madness. Full Stop.
youtu.be/hN_CVvzExpM?...
youtu.be/hN_CVvzExpM?...