MCLA to Hosts Panel Discussion on U.S. Immigration Under Trump's Second Term

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites the public to a panel discussion on
Immigration in the United States During Trump 2.0, on Thursday, April 10, at 5 p.m. in Murdock Hall, Room No. 218. 
 
This event is free and open to all. 
 
MCLA Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Dave Cupery will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Williams College Professor of Political Science Dr. James Mahon, MCLA Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Anna Jaysane-Darr, and MCLA Professor of History Dr. Ely Janis. 
 
According to a press release:
 
Presented as part of The Boschen Conflict Prevention and Resolution Speaker Series, this panel will explore immigration policies and practices during the second term of President Donald J. Trump. Panelists will analyze key policy changes, their historical roots, their connection to contemporary U.S. politics, and their impact on immigrants and refugees in the United States and beyond. 
 
"The panel provides an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of immigration politics and policies and to examine their broader implications," said Dr. Cupery. "We hope to foster a constructive and informed conversation." 
 
Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the panelists. 

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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