Meet the ‘nerd army’ of Elon Musk: Here is how the ‘Muskrats’ are shaking up US government agencies and the education system too

Elon Musk’s handpicked young tech experts, known as the “Muskrats” or “nerd army,” are targeting US bureaucracy, with a special focus on the Education Department. Comprising talented individuals from top companies like Tesla, Google, and OpenAI, the team aims to streamline government operations, tackle inefficiencies, and push for local control of education. Despite criticism, Musk’s team continues to reshape federal structures, challenging Washington’s established norms and promoting a new approach to governance.

FAFSA now recognizes only two genders because Trump says so

The Trump administration’s recent policy change removes the nonbinary gender option from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), set to take effect in 2025. This decision follows an executive order mandating that federal agencies recognize only males and female as legal sexes. LGBTQ+ advocates express concerns about the impact on gender-diverse students seeking financial aid, with potential consequences for their access to higher education.

Why Trump push to shut down the Education Department is hitting roadblocks from Congress and his own agenda

Donald Trump’s push to close the US Education Department is facing significant challenges, as his plans clash with legislative requirements and his own policy goals. While Trump aims to reduce federal control over education, Congress has enacted laws mandating the department’s funding and programs, limiting his authority. Internal conflicts, such as new initiatives and his cabinet pick, further complicate the path forward. Trump’s efforts to abolish the department remain uncertain as he navigates these obstacles.

Maharashtra CET cell issues important notice for BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM/MBA(integrated)/MCA(integrated) course, check details here

The Maharashtra CET Cell has announced that the Maha CET 2025 for BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM/MBA(integrated)/MCA(integrated) course is compulsory. The online registration is open from February 2 to 10, 2025 on cetcell.mahacet.org. Candidates must complete their applications before the deadline. Candidates can check the official notice here.

Scapegoating DEI: Silence Is Complicity

Scapegoating DEI: Silence Is Complicity

Elizabeth Redden

Wed, 02/05/2025 – 03:00 AM

President Trump’s attacks on DEI are damaging and dehumanizing, DeRionne P. Pollard writes.

Byline(s)

DeRionne P. PollardScapegoating DEI: Silence Is Complicity

Elizabeth Redden

Wed, 02/05/2025 – 03:00 AM

President Trump’s attacks on DEI are damaging and dehumanizing, DeRionne P. Pollard writes.

Byline(s)

DeRionne P. Pollard 

Creating a Critical Mass of Engagement in a Gen Ed Lecture

Creating a Critical Mass of Engagement in a Gen Ed Lecture

Ashley Mowreader

Wed, 02/05/2025 – 03:00 AM

A professor at the University of Oregon implemented an “active zone” in his physics course to promote interaction. The experiment resulted in more questions and feedback and a livelier classroom environment.

Byline(s)

Ashley MowreaderCreating a Critical Mass of Engagement in a Gen Ed Lecture

Ashley Mowreader

Wed, 02/05/2025 – 03:00 AM

A professor at the University of Oregon implemented an “active zone” in his physics course to promote interaction. The experiment resulted in more questions and feedback and a livelier classroom environment.

Byline(s)

Ashley Mowreader