Deceptive “Anti-Bullying” Act Introduced in U.S. Senate

The Safe Schools Improvement Act—which was introduced this month by Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)—defines bullying as hostile conduct based on someone’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, among other attributes. Casey’s bill mirrors one introduced in the House by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.).

Candi Cushman, CitizenLink’s education analyst, explained that it would force schools to include homosexual categories in their discipline and bullying codes—and this mandate would be overseen by “Safe School” Czar Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

Cushman said, “We agree that schools should be encouraged to have strong policies prohibiting bullying, which are applied equally and across the board, against any child for any reason. But, we think this can—and should—be done in a fair and objective way, without sexualizing and politicizing the school environment.” (EP News)

10 Christian Medical Workers Killed in Afghanistan

Ten Christian medical workers who were serving the poor in Afghanistan were killed Aug. 5 in the northeastern Afghan province of Badakhshan. The workers were part of the International Assistance Mission (IAM), a Christian charity that has been working in Afghanistan since 1966.

Eight foreigners and two Afghans were shot dead by Taliban. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said Bibles translated into Dari had been found. “They were Christian missionaries and we killed them all,” he said.

IAM has denied the medics and their Afghan interpreters were missionaries. It said its eye camp team had been working in the neighboring province of Nuristan at the invitation of communities there. The leader of the group had decades of experience working in Afghanistan, a spokesman said. Christians involved in humanitarian work in the past have also suffered at the hands of Taliban.

An Aug. 7 article by Jennifer Gish in the Times Union reports that First Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Schenectady, N.Y., was one of the churches that sponsored the International Assistance Mission ministry of Tom and Libby Little in Afghanistan. Tom was among the 10 medical missionaries murdered by the Taliban. (EP News/ Presbyterians-Week) 
Higher Ed Accreditation Proposal Threatens Academic Freedom

The Department of Education is considering proposed regulatory changes that would alter the accreditation process—and, quite possibly, limit the academic freedom of private institutions. Until now, colleges and universities—public and private—have been accredited by regional associations. According to Bill Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University, the proposed federal regulations would establish a state authorization process.

“The last thing you really want is the government taking control—even indirectly—of private institutions,” Kelly Shackelford, president and chief legal counsel of Liberty Institute, said. (EP News)