Andrew Schulz CALLS OUT Ben Shapiro & Stephen A. Smith vs Hillary Clinton | PBD Podcast | Ep 390 Podcast Summary with Adam Sosnick, Patrick Bet-David, Vincent Oshana, Tom Ellsworth, Andrew Schulz, Neenib Youkana, Stephen A. Smith

Andrew Schulz CALLS OUT Ben Shapiro & Stephen A. Smith vs Hillary Clinton | PBD Podcast | Ep 390

1-Page Summary

Elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at University of Texas

In adherence to Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), the University of Texas at Austin terminates its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and lays off employees. Texas lawmaker Tom Ellsworth supports this decision, commending University President Jay Hartzell for aligning with the legislators' intent to promote a merit-based system. Despite the cessation of DEI programs, University of Texas at Austin retains student-facing roles for the remainder of the semester to provide immediate student support while affected employees are encouraged to apply for other positions within the university. President Hartzell emphasizes the university's commitment to being welcoming and supportive while complying with the legal requirements of SB 17.

Efforts by NATO to secure military aid for Ukraine regardless of election outcomes

NATO aims to create a "Trump-proof" $100 billion fund to ensure continued military aid for Ukraine that would withstand political changes in member countries, including a potential re-election of Donald Trump. Adam Sosnick views this initiative as a strategic insurance policy against Russian aggression, especially for neighboring nations. This fund would grant NATO control over weapon support for Ukraine for the next five years, marking a significant change in defense strategy since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg leading the proposal, the plan seeks an international agreement to maintain a steady flow of military support to Ukraine regardless of shifting political landscapes.

Colorado officials telling migrants to go to other blue states with more resources

Denver officials, grappling with the city's strained resources due to the high influx of migrants, are advising them to consider moving to other blue states with more to offer, such as New York and Chicago. These cities are purported to have better provisions in terms of shelter and job opportunities. This redirection is indicative of Denver's acknowledgement of its limited capacity to accommodate and assist the growing number of migrants.

Stephen A. Smith's critique of Hillary Clinton's remarks about voters

Stephen A. Smith criticizes Hillary Clinton for her 2016 presidential campaign comments, particularly the negative reference to some Republican voters as "deplorables." Smith asserts that such comments can create voter discontent and contribute to election losses. He also criticizes Clinton for not campaigning in key Midwest states late in the race, potentially contributing to her defeat. Smith argues that candidates often appear disconnected from voter sentiments, urging a greater focus on issues that resonate with the electorate. Tom Ellsworth reiterates the strategic importance of understanding and addressing voter concerns to avoid alienating any voter bloc.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) is a legislative measure that impacts diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Texas universities. It led to the termination of such programs at the University of Texas at Austin, aligning with a shift towards a merit-based system. The bill's implications include layoffs of employees involved in DEI initiatives and a focus on compliance with legal requirements while maintaining student support services. The decision to end DEI programs reflects a broader policy shift in Texas towards promoting merit-based practices in educational institutions.
Blue states are regions in the United States that typically vote for the Democratic Party in elections. The term "blue" is used to represent the Democratic Party, while "red" represents the Republican Party. Blue states are often associated with more progressive policies and tend to have larger urban populations compared to red states. In the context of migration, referring to blue states suggests that these areas may have more resources and support systems in place for newcomers, such as migrants seeking shelter and job opportunities.
Stephen A. Smith criticized Hillary Clinton for calling some Republican voters "deplorables" during her 2016 presidential campaign. Smith believed that such comments could alienate voters and contribute to election losses. He also highlighted Clinton's absence from key Midwest states late in the race as a potential factor in her defeat. Smith emphasized the importance of candidates understanding and addressing voter concerns to avoid disconnecting from the electorate.

Counterarguments

The termination of DEI programs at the University of Texas at Austin could be criticized for potentially undermining efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized groups.
Some may argue that a merit-based system, while seemingly fair, does not account for systemic inequalities that DEI programs aim to address.
Critics might suggest that retaining student-facing roles is not a sufficient replacement for comprehensive DEI programs and may not adequately support the needs of a diverse student body.
There could be concerns that encouraging laid-off DEI staff to apply for other positions does not address the loss of their specialized expertise in fostering diversity and inclusion.
The establishment of a NATO fund for Ukraine could be criticized for potentially escalating military tensions rather than focusing on diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
Some may argue that the creation of a "Trump-proof" fund undermines the democratic process by attempting to circumvent the policy decisions of elected leaders.
Critics might point out that advising migrants to move to other states could be seen as passing the responsibility rather than developing long-term solutions to support migrants.
There could be a counterargument that Denver's approach to redirecting migrants might not be in the best interest of the migrants themselves, who may have settled in the community and started to build their lives there.
Regarding Stephen A. Smith's critique of Hillary Clinton, some might argue that Clinton's "deplorables" comment, while controversial, was a candid expression of her views and that political discourse should allow for frank discussions.
Others might counter that Clinton's campaign strategy, including her focus on certain states, was based on a multitude of factors and that her loss cannot be solely attributed to the lack of campaigning in the Midwest or her comments.
It could be argued that addressing voter concerns is important, but politicians should not pander to voters at the expense of their principles and policy positions.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.

Get access for free

Andrew Schulz CALLS OUT Ben Shapiro & Stephen A. Smith vs Hillary Clinton | PBD Podcast | Ep 390

Elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at University of Texas

The University eliminates DEI programs and lays off employees to adhere to Texas law SB 17

The University of Texas at Austin responds to state legislation by terminating DEI staff and programs, prompting reactions from various stakeholders.

Tom Ellsworth expresses support for the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), leads to the cessation of DEI programs at public universities. He commends University President Jay Hartzell for adhering to SB 17 and aligning with the lawmakers' intent.

The rationale behind SB 17's support is argued to be the promotion of a merit-based environment within higher education. The move to dissolve DEI programs is seen as an endorsement for meritocracy.

Consequently, the University of Texas at Austin has terminated dozens of employees within their diversity, equity, and inclusion branch. This action follows the enactment of SB 17 and the resulting policy changes.

Specifically, the division of campus and community engagement saw the elimination of 60 positions related to DEI ini ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!

Start your free trial today

Elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at University of Texas