Graphic created by Dale Munger.
How long are Alaskans going to let Gov. Mike “I eat ketchup on halibut” Dunleavy continue to destroy the education systems of Alaska?
Dunleavy has supposedly served Alaska since 2013, and the state’s education systems are proof.
First, Dunleavy set out to destroy K-12; now, our state consistently ranks near the bottom for most education metrics.
Our students and state have been defunded to the point of mass exodus. Alaska has had a net out-migration since 2013.
I’m not saying it was Dunleavy, but is there really a coincidence here?
As far as the University of Alaska is concerned, Dunleavy has pushed similar cuts like attempting to defund Alaska’s medical school while his state faces a shortage of health care providers.
Although Dunleavy later “changed his mind,” he still cut more than $130 million from the university. Enter the Board of Regents.
In February, the Board of Regents, known as BOR, voted 9 to 1 to purge its website and school of anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, in response to President Trump’s executive order.
It should be noted that an executive order is not law. According to the whitehouse official website, “This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law…”
What did the UA system gain with that vote? Nothing, except the betrayal of its students and an attack on free speech.
However, to reassure Alaskans, Ralph Seekins — a former car salesman turned education expert — made the dubious claim that UA is, “maintaining a welcoming environment and honoring Alaska Native heritage and cultures.”
Then, the Trump administration cut $50 million in funding to Alaska Native programs for our school.
This originates from the same administration the BOR so eagerly kowtowed to — the same administration that revoked student visas.
And remember, this is on top of the $130 million that Dunleavy already cut.
Now, despite Seekins’ pledge, the BOR will soon vote on removing Affirmative Action as well.
How do you think that vote will go? I’ll give you a hint. Every BOR member is a Dunleavy appointee who serves eight years.
Take Seth Church for instance — one of Dunleavy’s latest appointees with no college degree.
How exactly is he qualified to make decisions about college education? Maybe the BOR are the DEI hires — if DEI meant “Didn’t Earn It.” Maybe making decisions about education just requires you to make large campaign donations and own a red hat.
Dunleavy has had more than 12 years in political office. Yet he points to Alaska’s failing education systems as if he weren’t the one that caused it.
If he hasn’t fixed education by now, then he never will.
So why are we allowing him to continue dictating UA policy years after he leaves office with DEI BOR appointees?
It’s time for the students, staff and faculty of UA to demand change and stop the politicization of our education system.
Dunleavy and his BOR do not represent us. They must go.
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