SUMMARY: The University of Memphis has closed its Office of Multicultural Affairs and is winding down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to comply with Tennessee’s new “Dismantling DEI Departments Act.” Signed into law in May, the act bans public institutions from maintaining offices or programs that promote DEI using “discriminatory preferences.” The university president announced restructuring and removal of DEI references from websites and scholarships. The closure, effective immediately, impacts student support services, prompting concerns from student leaders. Despite this, the university emphasizes its ongoing commitment to student success. The student body is racially diverse, reflecting the broader Memphis community demographics.

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SUMMARY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador despite a 2019 order protecting him, was released from criminal custody in Tennessee and is returning to Maryland. Abrego Garcia faces federal human smuggling charges, which his lawyers call politically motivated and vindictive. Deportation to El Salvador violated due process, but officials now seek to deport him to Uganda after he rejected an offer to go to Costa Rica. Born in El Salvador, Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally at 16 fleeing gang threats and settled in Maryland with his U.S. citizen wife and children. His case highlights ongoing immigration and legal disputes.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee faces a critical shortage of foster parents, with nearly 9,000 children in foster care but only 4,500 foster homes available. Youth Villages is addressing this by hosting free online foster parent information sessions through August and September to recruit more caregivers. Magdalena Jaramillo from Youth Villages emphasizes the need for caring adults to provide support and nurture children’s dreams. Kevin Gill, a foster parent with 10 years’ experience, highlights the rewarding nature of fostering and encourages others to consider it. Tennessee foster parents must be at least 21, have income, pass background checks, and complete training. Details on sessions are available on Youth Villages’ website.

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