The Blackhouse Foundation has joined forces with Starz #TakeTheLead to launch a groundbreaking producers’ fellowship specifically tailored to support mid-career female-identifying producers in the realm of episodic television. This exclusive program has handpicked five exceptional candidates – Sue-Ellen Chitunya, Jessica L. Funches, Moira Griffin, Dahéli Hall, and Trevite Willis – for its inaugural year.
Ohio’s seven state universities have paused their race-conscious scholarship programs due to concerns about legality in light of a recent Supreme Court decision. Attorney General Dave Yost advised that using race as a factor in scholarship awards may be unconstitutional. This follows a nationwide trend, with several other states and universities eliminating race considerations from scholarships and financial aid. The Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard banned the use of race in admissions, except under limited conditions. The ruling also highlighted strict scrutiny standards for programs affecting fundamental rights, such as education. Campus leaders are considering factors like socioeconomic status and academic achievements as alternatives to race in admissions and financial aid decisions. However, legal scholars debate whether the ruling extends beyond admissions to scholarship programs. Some argue that universities can still consider race under strict scrutiny and with a compelling state interest in diversity. Students are advised to stay informed and consider criteria such as income and civic engagement in their scholarship applications.
