November 28, 2001 -
November 28, 2001 - Human cloning and stem cell research have become hot topics of debate again this week after a company announced that it was the first to clone human embryos. Advanced Cell Technology says they have taken human eggs, and combined them with cells from adults, and turned them into embryos. Lori Andrews is an author and medical ethicist at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She will deliver a speech today entitled "Embryo Stem Cell Policy, the Intersection of Values, Science and Law" at the University of Minnesota Law School later today. Professor Andrews joins us on the line now. That's Lori Andrews who will speak today at 11:30 at the University of Minnesota Law School.
November 28, 2001 - Microsoft's plan to settle private anti-trust class action lawsuits by donating computers to the poorest schools is receiving more criticism than praise. Would it make Microsoft a monopoly in the schools and education?
November 28, 2001 - An Olmsted County District Court Judge has given the go-ahead for a recount in Rochester's controversial school referendum. School district officials say they are upset money they say should go towards education will pay for the recount. Minnesota Public Radio's Laurel Druley has this report. Rochester voters approved more money for schools by 185 votes earlier this month. The vote allows the school district to gather 6-point-5 million dollars annually for the next six years. Three voters have come forward requesting a recount.
November 28, 2001 - Officials at Macalaster College have decided not to pull the plug on the school's football program. After years of struggling on the field, President Michael McPherson wondered publicly this year whether the school should continue supporting the program. McPherson announced yesterday Helms reports.
November 30, 2001 - The University of Minnesota will continue to allow cigarettes to be sold on campus. The Student Board of Governors for the Twin Cities student unions voted unanimously last night Helms reports.
December 5, 2001 -
December 6, 2001 - Officials in the state's fifth largest school district are taking heat over their latest budget cutting move. Faced with a nine million dollar budget shortfall, the Osseo school board voted this week to shorten the school week next year from five days to four. Critics claim the switch is intended to punish parents for last month's defeat of an excess tax levy referendum. Others are warning that many districts will make similarly dramatic cuts in the coming months. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
December 6, 2001 - A recent report on the performance of Minneapolis public schools showed African Americans students are suspended three times as often as white students. School and community leaders say the rate is unacceptably high and points to cultural barriers in the classroom. They also say suspension is an ineffective punishment because students who often need extra academic help are kept out of school. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
December 6, 2001 - Many parents in the Osseo School district are in shock over the plan to move to a four day school week. Debbie Hanslip is former president of the Elm Creek Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. She says she can't understand the decision.