W. Carson Byrd
@wcbyrdphd.bsky.social
Sociologist of higher ed inequalities & racism @ Michigan
Probably staring at data instead of writing, but at least there’s a stack of books & articles beside me.
More info: https://wcarsonbyrd.com
Probably staring at data instead of writing, but at least there’s a stack of books & articles beside me.
More info: https://wcarsonbyrd.com
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
New at @jssreligion.bsky.social. We asked Christians what actions help build the Kingdom of God on earth: we find the more Christians affirm Christian nationalism, the more they deprioritize charity & justice while prioritizing Christian statism & evangelism. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
September 18, 2026 at 1:44 PM
New at @jssreligion.bsky.social. We asked Christians what actions help build the Kingdom of God on earth: we find the more Christians affirm Christian nationalism, the more they deprioritize charity & justice while prioritizing Christian statism & evangelism. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
This is eugenics
September 17, 2026 at 11:30 PM
This is eugenics
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
The plan also calls for eliminating one-fifth of currently vacant positions, combining course sections and eventually closing programs with low enrollment to reduce costs.
https://bit.ly/4yB7MUO
https://bit.ly/4yB7MUO
UMaine will lay off faculty and staff to make up for a $19 million budget shortfall next year
The plan also calls for eliminating one-fifth of currently vacant positions, combining course sections and eventually closing programs with low enrollment to reduce costs.
www.mainepublic.org
September 17, 2026 at 7:33 PM
The plan also calls for eliminating one-fifth of currently vacant positions, combining course sections and eventually closing programs with low enrollment to reduce costs.
https://bit.ly/4yB7MUO
https://bit.ly/4yB7MUO
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
“New students enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin can no longer major in studies focusing on Africans and the African diaspora, Mexican Americans and Latinos, or women and gender.”
Puts a lot of “regain trust” rhetoric into proper relief.
Puts a lot of “regain trust” rhetoric into proper relief.
Majors related to race, gender cut at University of Texas
The University of Texas at Austin rejected a department’s plan to keep the majors, a decision that came without public knowledge, an interim department chair told faculty.
www.texastribune.org
September 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM
“New students enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin can no longer major in studies focusing on Africans and the African diaspora, Mexican Americans and Latinos, or women and gender.”
Puts a lot of “regain trust” rhetoric into proper relief.
Puts a lot of “regain trust” rhetoric into proper relief.
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
EXC: 90 programmes in Edinburgh University's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are to be closed.
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
Ninety programmes to close at leading university as savings plan takes shape
According to the document, a total of 90 programmes will be “taught out” over the next several years, including 48 in the School of Language.
www.heraldscotland.com
September 17, 2026 at 10:47 AM
EXC: 90 programmes in Edinburgh University's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are to be closed.
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
“The US research enterprise has long been one of the country’s primary drivers of wealth and prosperity.”
A deep dive on how Universities contribute to this by Nick Wigginton in @issuesinst.bsky.social
issues.org/federal-rese...
A deep dive on how Universities contribute to this by Nick Wigginton in @issuesinst.bsky.social
issues.org/federal-rese...
Fully Accounting for America’s Research Investments
Universities are not passive recipients of federal research dollars; they pour in substantial resources of their own.
issues.org
September 17, 2026 at 4:34 PM
“The US research enterprise has long been one of the country’s primary drivers of wealth and prosperity.”
A deep dive on how Universities contribute to this by Nick Wigginton in @issuesinst.bsky.social
issues.org/federal-rese...
A deep dive on how Universities contribute to this by Nick Wigginton in @issuesinst.bsky.social
issues.org/federal-rese...
“…when I would express an opinion about what LSU was doing, Lane would reply with a screenshot from ChatGPT that supported LSU's position, which was almost always wrong," Mars said. "Lane ignored most of my unsolicited advice, but I don't think he'll be using ChatGPT anymore for legal advice."
Inside the SEC's tangled legal battle with LSU and Lane Kiffin
It's a twisted tale of grandstanding politicians, colorful characters and college football's most polarizing figure.
www.espn.com
September 17, 2026 at 4:06 PM
“…when I would express an opinion about what LSU was doing, Lane would reply with a screenshot from ChatGPT that supported LSU's position, which was almost always wrong," Mars said. "Lane ignored most of my unsolicited advice, but I don't think he'll be using ChatGPT anymore for legal advice."
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
3-year postdoc at @wzb.bsky.social to work on family diversity and inequalities in children's attainment and health within Heike Solga's unit. Start: January 2027. Deadline: 4 October. wzb.eu/en/jobs/post...
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) (ID 416)
The research unit “Skill Formation and Labor Markets” (Director: Professor Heike Solga) at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) (ID...
wzb.eu
September 17, 2026 at 10:55 AM
3-year postdoc at @wzb.bsky.social to work on family diversity and inequalities in children's attainment and health within Heike Solga's unit. Start: January 2027. Deadline: 4 October. wzb.eu/en/jobs/post...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
NSF has reduced the research budget for all atmospheric, ocean, and earth sciences by ~80%.
80%!
A lot of us will not be conducting new research or training new students for the foreseeable future.
80%!
A lot of us will not be conducting new research or training new students for the foreseeable future.
September 15, 2026 at 9:58 PM
NSF has reduced the research budget for all atmospheric, ocean, and earth sciences by ~80%.
80%!
A lot of us will not be conducting new research or training new students for the foreseeable future.
80%!
A lot of us will not be conducting new research or training new students for the foreseeable future.
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Shout out to the student journalists at The Daily Iowan for reporting on the travesty that is Iowa's Center for Intellectual Freedom. With quotes from me dailyiowan.com/2026/09/15/u...
Uncertainty in leadership, curriculum surrounds UI Center for Intellectual Freedom
In the barren walls of his Calvin Hall office, where the Center for Intellectual Freedom resides, interim director and University of Iowa economics professor Luciano de Castro shuffles a stack of pape...
dailyiowan.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Shout out to the student journalists at The Daily Iowan for reporting on the travesty that is Iowa's Center for Intellectual Freedom. With quotes from me dailyiowan.com/2026/09/15/u...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Wayne was my MA thesis and PhD dissertation adviser at Mizzou. He is kind, and good, and represents the best of what Mizzou is and has to offer.
The Missouri state law that seeks to criminalize even the discussion of DEI is shameful, and so are those who support it.
abc17news.com/news/educati...
The Missouri state law that seeks to criminalize even the discussion of DEI is shameful, and so are those who support it.
abc17news.com/news/educati...
University of Missouri investigating professor after video alleges DEI sympathies
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The University of Missouri is investigating allegations of staff violating federal and state laws against diversity, equity and inclusion practices after a video reportedly showin...
abc17news.com
September 16, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Wayne was my MA thesis and PhD dissertation adviser at Mizzou. He is kind, and good, and represents the best of what Mizzou is and has to offer.
The Missouri state law that seeks to criminalize even the discussion of DEI is shameful, and so are those who support it.
abc17news.com/news/educati...
The Missouri state law that seeks to criminalize even the discussion of DEI is shameful, and so are those who support it.
abc17news.com/news/educati...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Policymakers touted the law's goal of keeping top students in-state and demystifying UW-Madison's admissions. Early results raise doubts about its impact.
Wisconsin’s college admissions law has unintended consequences
Policymakers touted the law's goal of keeping top students in-state and demystifying UW-Madison's admissions. Early results raise doubts about its impact.
captimes.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Policymakers touted the law's goal of keeping top students in-state and demystifying UW-Madison's admissions. Early results raise doubts about its impact.
Had an opportunity to share some thoughts about the Wisconsin Guarantee & how it may compound existing racial & socioeconomic inequalities of communities that shape students’ educational opportunities. Important points raised by other researchers including @taylorodle.bsky.social to consider.
Wisconsin’s college admissions law has unintended consequences
Policymakers touted the law's goal of keeping top students in-state and demystifying UW-Madison's admissions. Early results raise doubts about its impact.
captimes.com
September 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Had an opportunity to share some thoughts about the Wisconsin Guarantee & how it may compound existing racial & socioeconomic inequalities of communities that shape students’ educational opportunities. Important points raised by other researchers including @taylorodle.bsky.social to consider.
‘Trump officials didn’t respond adequately to public comments on the rule or consider alternative options, among other violations of the Administrative Procedure Act... The department also failed to show a rational connection between the rule & its purported national security objectives.’
Judge Blocks Controversial International Student Restrictions
A Massachusetts judge issued the injunction hours before the regulation was set to take effect. Institutions worried it would harm international students.
www.insidehighered.com
September 15, 2026 at 11:15 AM
‘Trump officials didn’t respond adequately to public comments on the rule or consider alternative options, among other violations of the Administrative Procedure Act... The department also failed to show a rational connection between the rule & its purported national security objectives.’
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
I wrote about this, too, but without the deep dive into media mentions:
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
September 14, 2026 at 9:55 PM
I wrote about this, too, but without the deep dive into media mentions:
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
This is a big one: Brown University is searching for the next director of the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice.
Please help us identify excellent candidates to lead this signature program into the future.
Please write me with ideas; please share in your networks; please apply.
Please help us identify excellent candidates to lead this signature program into the future.
Please write me with ideas; please share in your networks; please apply.
Brown University - Professor and Director of the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice | H-Net
1. Academic Accomplishment. We seek a scholar with a strong scholarly record, including excellence in both research and teaching, appropriate for appointment at the level of full professor in a social science, humanities, or arts department at Brown.
networks.h-net.org
September 14, 2026 at 12:13 PM
This is a big one: Brown University is searching for the next director of the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice.
Please help us identify excellent candidates to lead this signature program into the future.
Please write me with ideas; please share in your networks; please apply.
Please help us identify excellent candidates to lead this signature program into the future.
Please write me with ideas; please share in your networks; please apply.
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
We are seeking a full-time Communications Specialist who will support the @nhats-nsoc.bsky.social & @micda-umisr.bsky.social project teams by planning, crafting & coordinating outreach communications, event planning & coordination, & educational communications.
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
Communications Specialist | U-M Careers
careers.umich.edu
September 14, 2026 at 6:52 PM
We are seeking a full-time Communications Specialist who will support the @nhats-nsoc.bsky.social & @micda-umisr.bsky.social project teams by planning, crafting & coordinating outreach communications, event planning & coordination, & educational communications.
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Our Fall 2026 Education Policy Seminar Series kicks off next Tuesday, Sept 22, with Dominique J. Baker, followed by Seth Gershenson and Christina Weiland. In person, open to all, and focused on education policy. Learn more and RSVP below:
wheelockpolicycenter.org/event/educat...
wheelockpolicycenter.org/event/educat...
Education Policy Seminar Fall 2026 Series
All are welcome. The seminar series is geared towards an academic audience and will include detailed and technical discussion about methods used in the research, in addition to the policy context and implications.
wheelockpolicycenter.org
September 14, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Our Fall 2026 Education Policy Seminar Series kicks off next Tuesday, Sept 22, with Dominique J. Baker, followed by Seth Gershenson and Christina Weiland. In person, open to all, and focused on education policy. Learn more and RSVP below:
wheelockpolicycenter.org/event/educat...
wheelockpolicycenter.org/event/educat...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Job alert! @harbatkat.bsky.social and I are hiring a postdoc to help lead research on Michigan's Partnership Model of school and district turnaround. We're looking for qualitative or mixed-method researcher, and hoping to hire ASAP. Reach out with any questions!
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
RESEARCH FELLOW (Hybrid) | U-M Careers
careers.umich.edu
September 14, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Job alert! @harbatkat.bsky.social and I are hiring a postdoc to help lead research on Michigan's Partnership Model of school and district turnaround. We're looking for qualitative or mixed-method researcher, and hoping to hire ASAP. Reach out with any questions!
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
careers.umich.edu/job_detail/2...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
"$9,000 a year per child would go a long way to support [the many stay-at-home mothers who are struggling to make ends meet]. But we ought to be wary of politicians who rob Patricia to pay Pauline. Which is precisely what Vance’s plan would do." ––my latest for @ms.now
www.ms.now/opinion/vanc...
www.ms.now/opinion/vanc...
Opinion | JD Vance’s new childcare proposal: pit mothers against each other
The plan reportedly championed by the vice president reallocates federal subsidies to subsidize stay-at-home parenthood.
www.ms.now
September 14, 2026 at 6:04 PM
"$9,000 a year per child would go a long way to support [the many stay-at-home mothers who are struggling to make ends meet]. But we ought to be wary of politicians who rob Patricia to pay Pauline. Which is precisely what Vance’s plan would do." ––my latest for @ms.now
www.ms.now/opinion/vanc...
www.ms.now/opinion/vanc...
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
Feels like universities might also want to wait to liquidate hundreds of years of educational practice before transforming themselves into single-corporation stewarded data centers.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei: "For too long the industry lied" about AI risks
The head of the artificial intelligence company calls the exponential rate of AI developments a "warning sign," with risks for humanity, and says, "We need to slow down." He talks with "Sunday Morning...
www.cbsnews.com
September 13, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Feels like universities might also want to wait to liquidate hundreds of years of educational practice before transforming themselves into single-corporation stewarded data centers.
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
After reading some of the recent pubs and discourse around US higher ed.… I should just stop right here. But here are the three major fallacies of much of what’s out there, three contexts that are missing, and the one big thing that is driving me around the bend (actually already there, but). 1/
September 13, 2026 at 11:55 AM
After reading some of the recent pubs and discourse around US higher ed.… I should just stop right here. But here are the three major fallacies of much of what’s out there, three contexts that are missing, and the one big thing that is driving me around the bend (actually already there, but). 1/
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
As I tell the students in my sustainable development course:
Just give people money, and trust them to use it how they see fit!
Just give people money, and trust them to use it how they see fit!
A Michigan program gave families $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 a month through a baby’s first year.
The result: Healthier babies and healthier moms.
theconversation.com/im-a-pediatr...
The result: Healthier babies and healthier moms.
theconversation.com/im-a-pediatr...
I’m a pediatrician in Michigan who created Rx Kids, one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs – here’s what I’ve learned about how medical schools can improve community health
More than 15,000 families in Michigan have received cash support from Rx Kids. Participants say the program helps them pay bills and maintain their health.
theconversation.com
September 13, 2026 at 12:52 PM
As I tell the students in my sustainable development course:
Just give people money, and trust them to use it how they see fit!
Just give people money, and trust them to use it how they see fit!
Reposted by W. Carson Byrd
The University of California is in the midst of what looks to be a year-long debate about the use of SAT scores in undergraduate admissions.
I wrote a FAQ that attempts to collect the facts that are relevant to this debate, and to dispel some common misconceptions:
escholarship.org/uc/item/6kx2...
I wrote a FAQ that attempts to collect the facts that are relevant to this debate, and to dispel some common misconceptions:
escholarship.org/uc/item/6kx2...
escholarship.org
September 8, 2026 at 11:58 PM
The University of California is in the midst of what looks to be a year-long debate about the use of SAT scores in undergraduate admissions.
I wrote a FAQ that attempts to collect the facts that are relevant to this debate, and to dispel some common misconceptions:
escholarship.org/uc/item/6kx2...
I wrote a FAQ that attempts to collect the facts that are relevant to this debate, and to dispel some common misconceptions:
escholarship.org/uc/item/6kx2...