I DON’T know about you, but these days it feels as though the very things that define our once great country are now continually under attack. Our history , identity, culture, values, and way of life. And now, as a string of shocking discoveries reflect, our free speech. If you want to see how our free speech is under attack, then look no further than the astonishing treatment of Telegraph journalist Allison Pearson . On Remembrance Sunday, a day reserved to pay respect to our fallen ancestors who gave their lives so we can have these freedoms, she suddenly found the police at her door. They arrived, Gestapo-style, telling her that an anonymous accuser — sorry, a “victim” — had reported a (now-deleted) year-old tweet of hers, claiming it was “offensive”. READ MORE IN OPINION The police refused to tell her which of her tweets had been reported nor who had made the accusation against her. While the police later dropped the case after a national outcry, in the days since, similarly shocking cases of ordinary people being investigated for things they have said or posted online have come to light. Utterly insane As The Sun has revealed, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The recording of a hate crime after somebody blamed their “rough” haircut on a discussion with the barber about the war in Ukraine . The German woman who was likened to a “rottweiler” and had the case written up as “racial abuse”. Most read in The Sun The man who was investigated for “racial hatred” after whistling the Bob The Builder tune at his neighbour. The swimming teacher investigated after a mother said her son had been allowed to bang his head against the side of the pool because of “his ethnicity”. Not to mention the nine-year-old child investigated after calling a classmate a “retard”, or the two schoolgirls who were investigated after suggesting that a fellow student smells “like fish”. What on earth is going on? The answer lies in something called “non-crime hate incidents”. Yes, you read that right. Non-crime hate incidents. Created in 2014, a non-crime hate incident is any incident perceived by the supposed victim to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a “protected characteristic” such as somebody’s race , religion , gender, sexual orientation, and so on. The key word here is perceived. Our police are too busy monitoring words to tackle actual crime Under these Soviet-style tactics, the “victim” does not have to justify or provide evidence of the perceived offence, while police are told not to challenge this perception. Nor, remarkably, is any evidence required. Yes, you read that one right, too. No evidence is required. What we’re talking about, in other words, is somebody taking subjective offence to something that’s entirely lawful and has been said or posted online by somebody else, and which the police are told to report irrespective of whether there is evidence (because asking for evidence could mean “secondary victimisation”). I know. It’s completely and utterly insane. And despite it being a “non-crime”, these investigations still show up on somebody’s permanent record, which could quite plausibly prevent them from getting a job if the role requires a background check. This is why these non-crime hate incidents are so sinister. They are fuelling a creeping and oppressive climate in which everybody is encouraged to spy on everybody else, and be suspicious of our neighbours , friends and family. While our hapless Labour government would have you believe that non-crime hate incidents create a more “inclusive” and “diverse” community, in reality they undermine free speech by imposing “chilling effects” on society, encouraging people to hunker down, self-censor and watch what they say. They fear what might happen if, like Allison Pearson, they catch the attention of the Thought Police. And the number of these cases is truly mind-boggling, reflecting a legal and political system that’s spinning completely out of control. Between 2014 and 2019, astonishingly, some 34 police forces recorded nearly 120,000 non-crime hate incidents in England and Wales . And between 2019 and 2024, the Free Speech Union estimates this number more than doubled to more than 250,000. No wonder more than 200,000 burglaries in England and Wales went unsolved last year. And no wonder everything from shoplifting and mobile phone theft appear de facto legal in modern Britain. Our police are too busy monitoring words to tackle actual crime. This is a classic example of what happens when you put the Luxury Belief Class in charge — they prioritise clamping down on vague and abstract notions of “hate” while simultaneously failing to deliver core public services that actually keep people safe. And if you think these non-crime hate incidents are the only things threatening our free speech and free expression, then think again. While paedophiles walked free, many people were sent to prison for voicing their candid views about issues such as Islam in Britain Why? Because Keir Starmer’s government is now cracking down on our freedom in a number of areas, spreading this new culture of censorship, groupthink, and fear. We saw this, of course, in the aftermath of the immigration protests in the summer , when many people were rounded up and locked up after sharing their views on social media , often in the privacy of their own homes . While paedophiles walked free, many people were sent to prison for voicing their candid views about issues such as Islam in Britain, like the ex-soldier with PTSD who this week was sent to jail for two years for saying things like, “They want us to be Islamic; that’s why they’re here.” Public trust What all this shows is how Labour politicians and leftists will always sacrifice free speech and individual freedom on the altar of what they call “social justice”, including protecting minorities from perceived “hate”, even if there is no evidence for this. If we’re not careful, this won’t just accelerate the already collapsing levels of public trust in the police, but completely undermine our country’s long commitment to free speech and expression. Which is why, in my view at least, we should abolish these non-crime hate incidents completely and remember who we are — a people, a country, that is committed to freedom. While incitement to violence is already, rightly, covered by law , the British people must be free to say whatever is on their mind, however disagreeable you or I might find it. READ MORE SUN STORIES Because this is, ultimately, the lifeblood of democracy. Otherwise, amid the creeping intolerance that we can all feel around us, amid these relentless attacks on our identity, culture, history, and heritage, we will continue to descend into an Orwellian police state that shows remarkably little, if any, interest in protecting the very thing that defines who we are on these islands — our freedom.
Amber Heard criticises social media in response to Blake Lively complaintThe National Pension Commission, PenCom, on Thursday said it had issued over 38,000 Pension Clearance Certificates, PCC, so far to organisations, in 2024. The Director-General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, said this at a workshop organised by PenCom for journalists covering the pension industry in Lagos. The theme of the workshop was, “Tech-Driven Transformation: Shaping the Pension Landscape”. In 2023, PenCom issued 30,293 PCCs to firms. PCC is an evidence of compliance with the Pension Act. it serves as a prerequisite for all suppliers, contractors, or consultants soliciting contract or business from Ministries, Departmentss, and Agencies, MDAs, of the Federal Government. PenCom commenced the issuance of PCC to organisations in 2012 in line with the Pension Reform Act, PRA, which mandates all organisations with at least three employees to participate in the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. However, the certificate is valid up to Dec. 31 of the year it was obtained, irrespective of the date it was issued within the year. Organisations are, thus, required to apply for new PCC’s each year. Ms Oloworaran said that the commission also achieved a major milestone with the launch of the e-Application Portal for the PPC in October. She said that the initiative replaced the previous manual process, enabling companies to seamlessly apply for and receive PCCs online, significantly enhancing ease of doing business and ensuring compliance. The director-general said that the Pension Industry Shared Service Initiative is in an advanced stage of implementation. She said that the initiative would digitise pension contributions and remittances, ensuring seamless processing of contributions and resolving discrepancies caused by incomplete remittance details. “To further enhance contributors’ experiences, we have introduced a revised programme withdrawal template, simplifying access to voluntary contributions and revising the threshold for en-bloc payments in line with the new minimum wage. “These measures are designed to make retirement processes more efficient and user-centric. “But beyond policies and systems, what really excites me is the potential to transform lives,” she said. According to her, technology has become the backbone of transformation across all sectors, and the pension industry is no exception, hence PenCom has embraced the transformation wholeheartedly. Ms Oloworaran said that there are over 10.5 million contributors, while pension assets are in excess of N21.9 trillion as at October. She said that this progress demonstrated the strength of the CPS, though not without challenges. “Inflation, for instance, continues to erode the purchasing power of pensioners, and we are actively seeking innovative solutions to address this issue. “We also continue to face the persistent issue of delays in the payment of accrued rights. “Recently, N44 billion was approved under the 2024 budget appropriation to settle accrued pension rights for retirees from March to September 2023. “Moving forward, we are working with the Federal Government to put in place a sustainable solution that ensures that retirees receive their benefits promptly and without undue stress,” she said. She said that since assuming office, she and her team had been focused on strengthening compliance, enhancing service delivery, diversifying pension assets to optimising returns. She said that they had also been improving benefits and expanding coverage to include more Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector. Ms Oloworaran expressed passion over the micro-pension initiative, in particular, noting that it is the commission’s way of fostering financial inclusion, no matter how small an earning might be. She said that the commission intended to use technology to scale the micro-pension plan. “Technology plays a vital role in driving this inclusion from mobile enrollment to real-time account management,” she said. She said that PenCom planned to rebrand the micro-pension scheme, and also target onboarding not less than 20 million Nigerians in the informal sector. Ms Oloworaran acknowledged the role of the media as stakeholders in the success of the pension system. “As we integrate technology across every aspect of the pension industry, we are paving the way for a future where the CPS becomes more accessible, reliable, and sustainable. “However, this transformation cannot succeed without your unwavering support as media practitioners. “Your role in amplifying our initiatives and educating stakeholders across Nigeria is essential to achieving this vision,” she said. She described the ability of the media to inform, educate, and hold institutions accountable as invaluable. “Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, including the most vulnerable, has access to a secure and dignified retirement,” she said. NANSome 43 per cent said they expect US equities to be the best-performing asset class in 2024, compared with 27 per cent of respondents pre-election. SINGAPORE - More Asian business owners and large family offices are increasing their allocations to US equities and real estate, fuelled by optimism over US President-elect Donald Trump’s pro-business policies. As a result, they are seeking help to structure their US investments and address any tax compliance issues ahead of Trump’s inauguration, scheduled on Jan 20, 2025. While the S&P 500 US stock market index has been tempered in recent days by inflation concerns, it remains near record highs and is up more than 20 per cent this year. According to the latest Global Fund Manager Survey from Bank of America, respondents were more optimistic after the US election, which took place on Nov 5. Allocations to US equities surged post-election to the highest level since August 2013, with investors holding 29 per cent of the asset class, compared with 10 per cent in October. Some 43 per cent said they expect US equities to be the best-performing asset class in 2024, compared with 27 per cent of respondents pre-election. “A number of our clients are allocating more of their assets to US real estate and equities because one of the core fundamental tenets of what Trump wants to do is reduce the corporate red tape as well as corporate tax rate from 21 per cent to 15 per cent,” said Mr Kurt Rademacher, partner and head of US private client at international law firm Charles Russell Speechlys. “That’s going to help corporate earnings after tax, which could drive up stock prices. If businesses are doing better, there’s more money in people’s pockets. That would potentially also increase the real estate market as a rising tide lifts all boats.” Within the first eight trading days since the US election results, the market value of US equities increased by US$2 trillion (S$2.7 trillion), or 3 per cent. The US dollar gained 3 per cent against an index of the most liquid currencies. Mr Rademacher, who splits his time between Singapore and the US, said regional clients are seeking help to structure their US investments and address any US tax compliance issues. The seasoned professional in international wealth transfer planning told The Straits Times that in Asia, many of the ultra high-net-worth (UHNW) families from China, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines have some US connections. Most of them have children studying there, are working on Wall Street or are married to an American. “We step in and try to manage the tax situation for them. For those few clients in the region who don’t have US family members, they all have US equity exposure or US real estate exposure, and they too need advice,” Mr Rademacher said. A lawyer with another law firm also shared that he has been kept busy handling inquiries from wealthy clients who want to invest in the US, leveraging Singapore family offices as an investment vehicle to do so. Charles Russell Speechlys’ head of private office Marcus Yorke-Long said Trump’s victory provides direction, which in turn underpins investor confidence as there is now an element of predictability that can be applied to global markets and geopolitics. “Mr Trump has a very strong voice, and he now also has a very strong mandate. Investors and families tend to find it somewhat easier to plot their path when there are elements of conviction and direction as opposed to uncertainty and mixed messages,” said Mr Yorke-Long, whose team handles relationships with global families seeking broad conversations across sectors, territories and generations. Political change provides an opportunity for UHNWs to review their global structures and tax mitigation strategies, Mr Yorke-Long said. Mr Rademacher said individuals who have not filed their US income tax returns should do so promptly, as the Internal Revenue Service is ramping up efforts to pursue non-filers. He added that Singaporeans who have China-centred manufacturing business can expect a period of uncertainty and chaos. This is because Trump has announced his intention to impose a blanket tariff ranging from 10 per cent to 20 per cent on all imports, along with additional tariffs of at least 60 per cent on products imported from China. Goldman Sachs expects the US to impose additional tariffs averaging 20 per cent on Chinese products in the first half of 2025. “There are lots of questions about whether Trump really wants a 60 per cent import duty, or whether what he really wants is a free trade agreement with China, or freer trade agreement with China. “But there will be a period of time when that’s going to be difficult for Singaporean clients with Chinese businesses in the manufacturing sector,” said Mr Rademacher. Even allies of the US may be affected by Trump’s tariff-fuelled war as global trade remains strongly intertwined with the US and Chinese economies. Allianz Trade, an insurance group, said rising US-China tensions are reshaping global supply chains and paving the way for new trade powerhouses. It identified 25 economies that could benefit from this new world order. “Beyond fast-growing economies such as India, this shift has opened doors for nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates to step up as next-generation trade hubs,” Ms Francoise Huang, senior economist for the Asia-Pacific and trade at Allianz Trade said. For everyone else with US connections, they should be better off from a pure tax policy perspective, Mr Rademacher said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiIllegal drugs and sex with a minor: All the allegations against Matt Gaetz revealed in explosive reportPercentages: FG .429, FT 1.000. 3-Point Goals: 11-27, .407 (Lindsay 5-8, Brown 2-6, Williams 1-1, Anderson 1-2, Ricks 1-4, Freeman 1-5, Hutchins-Everett 0-1). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 3. Blocked Shots: 3 (Hutchins-Everett 2, Smith). Turnovers: 9 (Smith 4, Ricks 2, Freeman, Lindsay, Williams). Steals: 1 (Smith). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .500, FT .692. 3-Point Goals: 7-18, .389 (Gray 3-3, Burke 1-1, Howell 1-3, Kapic 1-4, McGhie 1-6, Tait-Jones 0-1). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 1 (Rochelin). Turnovers: 5 (Gray 2, Milovich 2, Rochelin). Steals: 5 (Gray 4, Kapic). Technical Fouls: None. .
Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiDETROIT (WXYZ) — Social media influencers and NFL enthusiasts Lauren Saddington and her fiancé Daniel Hanbridge have a special place in their hearts for the Motor City. It started back in April during the NFL Draft. The couple returned for the Detroit Lions game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. "I just thought I would never go to Detroit," Saddington said. Watch a TikTok video made by Lauren Saddington and Daniel Hanbridge during a Detroit visit below: However, the couple has a passion for football, particularly as dedicated Green Bay Packers fans. Hanbridge won a chance to go to the draft after being named International Fan of the Year. "Detroit is a very special place to us," Hanbridge said. During their first visit, both Saddington and Hanbridge donned their Packers gear, but it was the warm atmosphere and welcoming spirit of the city that captured their hearts. "When we came, we absolutely loved it — the atmosphere, just everything," Saddington said. Hanbridge agreed. "The people here made it so special for us. It was unbelievable," he said. After their memorable experience at the draft, the couple returned to the UK, but their connection to Detroit only deepened. They made a second trip to witness the grand reopening of Michigan Central Station, further solidifying their bond with the city. "Detroit is the first place where we felt we could live. It feels like a second home," Saddington said. Their admiration for Detroit continues to grow. Related video: Detroit Lions bringing in millions to city's economy "Speaking to people from Detroit, you really understand how special the city is and how much it means to everyone," Hanbridge said. However, the Honolulu Blue is growing on Saddington and she may be shifting her loyalty from the Packers to the Lions. "I have to say, the colors really do it for me," she said. Both Saddington and Hanbridge are excited about the Packers vs. Lions game at Ford Field, an experience that only a Detroit Lions game can provide. "There's nothing quite like a Detroit Lions fan and because they're doing so well, the atmosphere is going to be electric," Saddington said. Hanbridge added: "To be able to go to the game tonight is incredible."
Shares of Rokmaster Resources Corp. ( CVE:RKR – Get Free Report ) traded down 25% during mid-day trading on Saturday . The stock traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. 396,000 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 182% from the average session volume of 140,187 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Rokmaster Resources Stock Down 25.0 % The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.54. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is C$0.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.02. The firm has a market cap of C$2.45 million, a P/E ratio of -0.30 and a beta of 2.99. Rokmaster Resources Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Rokmaster Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North, Central, and South America. It explores for zinc, lead, silver, copper, gold, and polymetallic deposits, as well as precious metals. The company holds a 100% in the Duncan Lake property comprising 35 contiguous mineral claims that covers an area of 3,929 hectares; and a 55% interest in the Big Copper property located in the Slocan Mining Division in southeast British Columbia, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rokmaster Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rokmaster Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Garrett Wilson clearly isn't happy. And his future with the New York Jets seems murkier than ever. The star wide receiver wants to win more than anything, but three losing seasons to start his NFL career have taken their toll. Wilson has been an extremely bright spot for the Jets during that span, setting team receiving records and establishing himself as one of the top players in the NFL at his position. He's the fourth-most targeted player in the league this season. But he still believes he could do more — and that he can help the Jets (4-11) win. Wilson had six catches for 54 yards on Sunday in New York's 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Four of his seven targets came during the Jets' final drive. Davante Adams had 13 targets and clearly has been the favorite target of Aaron Rodgers — not surprising since they played together eight years in Green Bay. But Wilson has seemed almost an afterthought lately. "I don't know, to be honest with you, man," Wilson said after the game when asked why he wasn't more involved in the offense. "I've just got to go out and put my best foot forward and hope that things fall my way. I'd love to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but if people see it differently, then it's out of my control. “So, just trying to do what I can do.” That came a few days after Wilson was noncommittal on whether he can see himself staying with the Jets long term if they offer him a contract extension after the season. He had a similar response after the game. “At the end of the day, we've got to find ways to get Garrett the ball more often,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday. “He’s one of the best players on our team, if not one of the best players in this league, especially at his position, so the progression for a lot of different reasons from a coverage standpoint took (Rodgers) off Garrett, but at the same time, we've got to find ways to get him the ball, for sure.” Wilson is due for an extension after this season, but the Jets have control over his contract through the 2027 season. There are rumblings that Wilson, who ranks among the league leaders with 90 receptions and 987 yards receiving, could seek a trade. The Jets' next general manager and coach will have to make decisions on the futures of several players, including Rodgers, but Wilson also will be a priority in the team's offseason conversations. “If you weren’t frustrated, I think that would bother me to an extent,” Ulbrich said. “I think he’s just one of those ultimate competitors that wants the ball, not for selfish reasons. Just from the standpoint he knows he can help our team win if he does have the ball in his hands.” What’s working Fast starts. The Jets have scored touchdowns on their opening possession in each of their last two games after previously not doing so all season. What needs help With the team out of the playoff hunt, Ulbrich was aggressive. The Jets went for it on fourth down five times against the Rams and converted just twice. Two of the stops led to points for Los Angeles. After Breece Hall was stuffed on fourth-and-1 at the Jets 33 in the second quarter, the Rams kicked a field goal to tie it. On their first possession of the second half, the Jets went for it on a fourth-and-4 from the Rams 13 instead of kicking a field goal. But Rodgers' fade pass to Adams was incomplete, ending a 14-play, 78-yard drive. Los Angeles followed by kicking another tying field goal. Stock up CB D.J. Reed. The veteran defensive back has arguably been the Jets' best cornerback this season. Reed is scheduled to be a free agent during the coming offseason and could be in for a big payday. Whether to bring him back will be a major topic of conversation for the Jets' new regime. Stock down K Anders Carlson. He briefly provided some stability as the Jets' fourth kicker this season but has struggled lately. Carlson missed an extra point, his second of the season, and was wide right on a late 49-yard field goal try that would've made it a one-score game and given the Jets a chance at a comeback attempt against the Rams. Ulbrich said there's a chance there could be another change this week. Injuries Rookie LT Olu Fashanu is dealing with a foot injury. The first-round pick was seen on crutches after the game, but Ulbrich said Fashanu was still getting tests done to determine the severity of the injury. ... DT Quinnen Williams was inactive with a hamstring injury. He tested it before the game and was scratched. Ulbrich said there's a chance he'll play this week. ... CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring) and S Tony Adams (ankle) left the game with injuries. Key number 0 — The Jets scored 9 points and had no punts in the loss to Los Angeles. They joined the 1991 Colts — a 16-7 loss to the Patriots in the season opener — as the only teams in the Super Bowl era to score fewer than 10 points and not punt. What’s next The Jets travel for their last road game of the season to Buffalo, where they'll take on the AFC East rival Bills. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Diversity statements will no longer be used in University of Michigan faculty hiring, promotion and tenure, a move applauded by critics who have called the practice "litmus tests" that limit diversity of thought while diversity advocates said the process was "preordained" and dishonest. Provost Laurie McCauley announced the decision Thursday based on a recommendation from a UM faculty working group to end diversity statements. But the recommendation is "deceptive," coming after the regents rejected a previous recommendation to keep the diversity statements, a faculty leader said. Diversity statements are documents written by faculty job candidates that let applicants explain to a search committee the distinct experiences they would bring to the university along with their commitment to diversity. The statements help search committees identify applicants "who have professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance campus diversity and equity efforts," according to a University of California at San Diego statement referenced by UM's Center for Research on Learning & Teaching. McCauley's announcement came hours before the Board of Regents is scheduled to meet and a protest is planned beforehand at UM President Santa Ono's house. Many in the UM community are concerned the regents may dismantle a multimillion dollar diversity, equity and inclusion effort built after the school was at the center of a decade-long national debate around affirmative action in higher education, and DEI programs have been under attack across the nation.. "Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university," McCauley said in the University Record, an internal UM publication for faculty and staff, in announcing the end of diversity statements. "Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people. As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” But there is more that happened in this process, UM Faculty Senate Chair Rebekah Modrak wrote on the University Record page under the announcement. After the regents called for diversity statements to be banned last summer, McCauley formed a faculty committee to review diversity statements in the spirit of shared governance that came up with a different recommendation, Modrak wrote. "My understanding is that the committee’s first report recommended that the use of diversity statements should be up to each unit, a recommendation that honors our decentralization, independence, and academic freedom," Modrak wrote. "The Regents rejected that report and central leadership didn’t support their own faculty committee. Sending a committee back to work to give a second report with preordained results is neither honest nor respectful of faculty expertise. The University Record’s erasure of the Regents’ autocratic hand in this process is also deceptive." Regents will not vote on the provost's action, but may discuss it during the meeting, said Regent Sarah Hubbard, one of two Republicans on the eight-member UM board. "I applaud the provost for ending the practice of requiring diversity statements," said Hubbard. "This policy change removes a barrier to diversity of thought on campus by eliminating the ideological litmus test." No action is expected during Thursday's meeting around other DEI issues, added Hubbard, who previously said the regents have been looking for a long time at the university's DEI efforts and want to realign funds closer to student scholarships. Any budget decisions wouldn't happen until next year when budgetary decisions get made, she said. Even so, hundreds of students, faculty and staff demonstrated on campus earlier this week to show support for the university's DEI programs, and others are planning to attend the protest organized by UM's Black Student Union before the regents meeting and show up to the official meeting. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements came after the statements were also eliminated in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in June at Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In June, UM's provost charged the eight-member faculty working group to examine diversity statements, though the university did not have an institutional policy on the statements but units did have the discretion to ask for them. The working group recommended the end of the statements after reviewing other policies and surveying more than 2,000 faculty members. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially-relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the working group wrote in its report. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group said it acknowledged the concerns. "But, well-written diversity statements do not necessarily require expression of one’s identity, and they need not express one's beliefs or stances on socially-charged issues," the working group wrote. "Instead, well-written diversity statements contain reflections of how identity has shaped a faculty member’s approach with their students, how they work with their colleagues, and how they interact with society. These are desirable features of current and future U-M faculty members, and this information should be considered when potential faculty are hired and current faculty are promoted." The work group also offered two other recommendations, including that the university "can and must" incorporate of content about DEI into teaching, research and service statements. "Through this incorporation, the problematic features of diversity statements can be eliminated, while the useful and necessary information that exists in diversity statements can be saved and placed where it more naturally belongs," the group wrote in its report. However, UM did not adopt those recommendations. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements followed other steps the university has taken in recent months that supporters said will create an environment that expands diverse views on campus. They include the regents' controversial adoption last month of a policy on institutional neutrality that prohibits some officials from taking public stances on political and social issues not related to the internal governance of the university. Last month the Faculty Senate passed a resolution censuring the Board of Regents and accusing the regents of "increasingly exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, and silencing free speech. ©2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlm Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.JIMMY Carter was a former US president who was elected to office in 1976 and served in the White House from 1977 to 1981. Here’s more about the beloved 100-year-old and his remarkable life in politics and beyond. James Earl Carter Jr – known affectionately as Jimmy – was the 39 th President of the United States, serving one term in office from 1977 to 1981. The Democrat stalwart served as a Georgia State Senator from 1963 to 1967 and as the 76th Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Jimmy remained active in public life after leaving the White House. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in co-founding the Carter Center. He paid tribute to his former Vice President Walter Mondale after his death at 93 on April 19, 2021, hailing him as "the best vice president in our country's history." Jimmy was raised in a wealthy family of peanut farmers in the southern town of Plains. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to join the US Navy where he served on the submarines. Following his father’s death, he returned home to take over the family peanut business. As he went on to expand the business, Carter was motivated to oppose the political climate of racial segregation and support the growing civil rights movement. In the early 1960s, he became an activist within the Democratic Party and made his first foray into the world of politics. Carter was sworn in as the 76th Governor of Georgia on January 12, 1971. He declared in his inaugural speech that "the time of racial discrimination is over. ... No poor, rural, weak, or black person should ever have to bear the additional burden of being deprived of the opportunity for an education, a job or simple justice." President Carter then went on to live a relatively modest life in his old two bedroom house in his Georgia hometown. He died on December, 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia - the same spot where he was born back on October 1, 1924. Jimmy’s wife Eleanor Rosalynn Carter was born on August 18, 1927, and served as the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981. The former First Lady, who was married to her husband for 75 years, was a leading advocate for numerous causes throughout her lifetime. She was politically active during her White House years, sitting in on Cabinet and policy meetings as well as serving as her husband's closest adviser. Rosalynn also served as an envoy abroad, with posts in Latin America. She and Jimmy first dated in 1945 while he was attending the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. It's believed Rosalynn had a crush on him after seeing him in his navy uniform. She agreed to marry her husband-to-be in February 1946 when she went to Annapolis with his parents. The two scheduled their marriage to take place on July 7, 1946 in Plains and kept the arrangement secret. The couple shared four children: John William "Jack" (b. 1947), James Earl "Chip" III (b. 1950), Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" (b. 1952), and Amy Lynn (b. 1967). Due to Jimmy's military duties, the first three were born in different parts of the country and away from Georgia. They returned to Georgia when Jimmy’s father was dying. After purchasing their first television set, the couple became fans of the New York Yankees and claimed they never went to bed arguing with each other. Following their time in the White House, the couple established the Carter Center, a non-profit organisation in Atlanta. They were unable to attend Joe Biden's inauguration. This was the first time they have missed the ceremonies since Jimmy was sworn in as president in 1977. Rosalynn is a member of the Center's Board of Trustees and participates in many of the Center's programs, but gives special attention to the Mental Health Program. Upon the death of Barbara Bush on April 17, 2018, 91-year-old Rosalynn became the oldest living former First Lady at the time. Jimmy Carter died on Sunday 29, December, 2024 nearly two years after going into hospice care. His official cause of death is yet to be announced but his son Chip released a heartfelt statement confirming the death of his father. He said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. "The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Carter, the beloved Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had experienced several health issues in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. In 2015, he beat brain and liver cancer , but in 2019, his health began to suffer again. He chose hospice care over continuing medical treatment, the Carter Center announced on Saturday, February 18, 2023.