Fighting Back on Campus and in the City: Frann Michel hosts this episode about fighting back against attacks on academic freedom and on grassroots democratic movements for a liveable city, featuring these segments (follow the links for more information on the segment pages):
Academic Freedom Under Attack: In August of this year, Jennifer Ruth came on to the Old Mole to explain how Title VI of the Civil Rights Act had become the primary legal instrument for repressing student protests and free speech on college campuses in the name of combating antisemitism. In this update to that report, Jan Haaken talks with Ruth about how actions in the Biden administration set the stage for the expanded use of Title VI and the intensified assaults of the Trump regime. They also discuss recent disciplinary actions against staff and faculty, including locally at Portland State University, and areas where the crackdowns are generating resistance.
Taxing and Investing: Business interests in the Portland Metro area continue deceptive attacks on voter-approved measures to make the city more climate resilient, support housing, and provide preschool for all children by taxing the rich. Frann Michel talks with economist Mary King about fighting back against these tales and about maintaining program reserves to balance swings in income, raising revenue, and reorienting city policy for a more affordable Portland.