Crackdown on Classics

CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, May 18 — Loyola University Chicago will eliminate all graduate programs in classical studies, in an attempt to reverse the school's declining enrollment and ease its debts, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported.

The university originally planned to scrap the department entirely. Under the new plan, it will still offer undergraduate degrees in classical studies. The university will also eliminate 35 full-time administrative and staff positions.

Judge Allows 'Straight Pride’ Shirt

MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE, May 19 — A U.S. District Judge ruled that Elliott Chambers, 16, can wear his “Straight Pride” shirt to school, the Minnesota daily reported.

The Register reported April 29 that the lawsuit was underway.

The judge ruled that Woodbury High School Principal Dana Babbitt's ban on the shirt could violate free-speech protections. The shirt says “Straight Pride” on the front, and shows a man and woman holding hands on the back.

Chambers said he wore the shirt in part as a protest against the school's pro-homosexual actions, such as designating classrooms “safe zones” where homosexual students would be counseled to express their sexuality.

The ruling leaves open the possibility that the shirt may still be banned if school officials can prove that it caused a disruption of school activities.