This week, Arizona 360 discussed the role of free speech at public universities with University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law professor Jane Bambauer. A situation last month put the university in the national spotlight on the issue. UA police cited three students who protested Border Patrol agents as they gave a presentation in a classroom. On April 23, the university will host a Campus Conversations forum to discuss the issue of free speech with the public.
"Campus conversations are something that other university administrations across the country have tried. And sometimes with success," Bambauer said. "President Robbins is facing a somewhat unprecedented set of circumstances though because there has been this criminal charge brought against three students."
Starting next year, Arizona will have two new laws on the books that change the rules around licensed professions. Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation this week that removes cosmetology licensing requirements for people who only blow dry, shampoo and style hair. Another bill signed the previous week makes Arizona the first state to recognize occupational licenses from other states. If a new resident was licensed for at least a year in a different state and has a clean professional record, they can skip some of the steps licensing boards require from first-time applicants. It's the first law of its kind in the country. Associated Press reporter Jonathan Cooper explained its stipulations.
Professions that require occupational licenses are monitored by several state agencies. Private groups like the Better Business Bureau also keep track of a company's reputation. Myriam Cruz, with the BBB of Southern Arizona, discussed ways consumers can research and vet their options.
It's that time of year when many kids start counting down the weeks to summer break. For some, skills learned this school year can get rusty over the months spent away from the classroom. Teddi Schnurr teaches early childhood education at Pima Community College and offered insight on how to prevent a summer setback.
"Regular integration of just daily opportunities to reinforce the things they were learning in school in very natural and authentic ways is the best way to do that," Schnurr said. "Parents don't have to do sophisticated ideas. It just has to be relevant to something to something the child can practice the skills in some real kind of situation."
As examples, Schnurr suggested letting children help count money during shopping trips, or follow a recipe and measure ingredients while cooking.
By mid-spring, many families have already decided where to send their kids to keep them busy during the summer. Programs often fill up quickly and can be costly, posing an additional hurdle for low-income families. That's the population served year-round by the John Valenzuela Youth Center in South Tucson. Program coordinator Jessica Alderete discussed services offered at the center.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.