Students Win Right to Wear ‘Jesus is Not a Homophobe’ shirts; Survey Says College Is Too Easy

Students Win the Right to Wear Pro-LGBT T-Shirt Ohio high schooler Maverick Couch and several of his friends won a law suit against their school district after the school principal threatened the teenagers with suspension when they refused to turn their “Jesus Is Not a Homophobe” shirts inside out during last year’s Day of Silence campaign. Couch, who came up with the idea to don the T-shirts, raked in $20,000 in damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees. [ThinkProgress]

Obama Speaks to Tornado-ravaged Town President Obama delivered the commencement speechto students atJoplin High School Monday;a year to the date after the town was devastated by a tornado that left 160 people dead. In his speech, the President called on Americans to show the same fortitude and spirit Joplin residents exemplified while working tirelessly to restore their town in the wake of the natural disaster. “It’s the same spirit we need right now to help rebuild America,” Obama said. “You’re the ones who will help build an economy where everyone who is willing to put in the effort can find a job that supports a family.” Obama praised the graduating studentbody for their perseverance and strength. “You will remember,” Obama told the group, “Because you are from Joplin.” Throughout the speech the President called on students to band together to make America a better place for all. “You can serve as a reminder that we’re not meant to walk this road alone,” said the President. “We’re not expected to face down adversity by ourselves.” [Los Angeles Times]

Survey Says College is a Breeze A recent survey shows that today’s average college student spends much less time studying than in previous decades. The study titled Leisure College, USA reported that students now spend a mere 15 hours a week studying, down from 24 hours a half-century ago. Critics of higher education say the researchproves that colleges and their students have gotten lazy over the years, and are being rewarded for spending minimal time doing actual schoolwork. The George Mason Provost told the Washington Post, “It’s not enough, and it’s a figure that troubles us, not only at [George] Mason but in higher education generally.” In response to student workload issues, many universities now offer honors classes and undergraduate research opportunities to scratch the challenge-deficit itch eager some students may have. According to the study, first published in 2000, architecture majors study the most – a full 24 hours a week – while speech majors put in an average of 10. [Washington Post]

Christopher Boan is a journalism intern with Campus Progress.

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