University settles with Jewish students over Antisemitism on campus
Columbia University has agreed to a settlement with Jewish students. The settlement comes after months of turmoil on the college campus because of protests over the war between Israel and Gaza. Students on several college campuses, including Columbia, have protested the war for the past few months. Jewish students on these campuses reported prejudice and hostility from fellow students following a rise in Anti-Semitism. The students claim the university ignored the prejudice and did nothing to protect Jewish students. The students later filed a lawsuit against the school for not taking action to protect them. Among the settlement details: students will be given escorts if they feel unsafe on campus through December of this year, alternate routes for Jewish students to exit and enter school buildings, and a defined process for students to take exams and finish required class assignments if protests disrupt school schedules. Representatives for Columbia University say they are pleased with the settlement and are committed to the safety of their campus to help students pursue their academic goals.
UMC announces exit of large African conference group
The United Methodist Church Council of Bishops says they are “disappointed” following a massive exit from the worldwide Methodist Church conference. The Cote’ d’Ivoire Conference in West Africa voted to exit the jurisdiction of the UMC presiding board. The loss is the biggest of the conference. The exit resulted in the loss of one million members leaving the conference in a single day. The West African churches released a statement condemning the UMC for abandoning their Biblical principles in support of the “Rainbow movement” a reference to the LGBT community. The UMC council of bishops released a statement saying in part they are grieving the loss of the West African conference but will continue to support them in their pursuit of autonomy. The United Methodist Church has seen a mass exodus since announcing a more left leaning doctrine that includes the ordination of LGBT clergy. The organization, due to the controversy, has allowed churches within the group to decide what will be accepted at their churches. Most conservative churches have voted to leave the UMC, citing their reason as the Biblical views of the organization are being abandoned.
Justice rules in favor of Catholic schools in Colorado
A judge in Colorado has ruled in favor of two Catholic preschools. The schools attempted to be a part of the state’s universal preschool program. Colorado’s state funding program provides for students from lower income families to attend preschool up to 15 hours per week for free. The preschools were denied by the state due to their religious beliefs. The Catholic diocese that presides over the preschools also requires staff to sign a morality clause. The preschools were represented by Beckett Law. The justice presiding over the case said the state cannot discriminate based on religious affiliation. Attorneys for the preschools praised the decision in their statement. The attorneys continued in their statement saying all families should have access to religious education without having to compromise public benefits if it applies.
SNBC HEALTH report: nutritionists are recommending consumers eat more yogurt as part of daily health regimen
The recommendation is part of a study that researches the benefits of yogurt based on its effect on diabetes. The study was in response to a claim by a yogurt company that yogurt helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The response by the USDA says they will not ban the company from adding this information to their product labels. Nutritionists confirmed this health benefit and commented that this comes from consuming plain yogurt with no additives, especially sugar, to receive the full benefits. Fruit and honey can be added, but the goal is not to dilute plain yogurt’s benefits. Yogurt aids the body in several ways. It is a good source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and D. Yogurt has probiotics that build the immune system. It also helps protect the body from osteoporosis, heart issues and supports gut health.