Daily Lumina News 071620

In order to establish a just and fair society, we have a moral responsibility to take on the nation’s sordid past—and to push for the conversation and action needed to resolve racial challenges.
Lumina Foundation's Danette Howard talks about the foundation’s previous social justice work to improve the climate around race relations on college campuses—plus a new three-year plan aimed at helping eradicate systemic racism across the nation.

This spring, the University of Kentucky convened more than 500 people to create its 187-page "Playbook for Reinvented Operations." The flagship public university also has been particularly open about how it's dealing with the pandemic.
Eli Capilouto, UK's president and an expert on public health policy, reflects on the creation of the playbook and how his school is continuing to prepare for the looming fall term.

Victoria Sheetz, a rising senior at the University of Michigan, spends 40 to 50 hours a week during the school year working at a job off-campus in addition to her studies. Then the pandemic happened. Sheetz is now worried about the fall—and how she will pay her tuition.
It's a common story across the country. Many students and recent graduates are worried about their job prospects and financial situation, with more than 25 percent reporting food insecurity or trouble paying the bills.

A new program dubbed "Fresh Start" will wipe out existing student loan debt for former City Colleges of Chicago students who re-enroll and earn their degree or certificate.
Mayor Lori Lighfoot says the program is part of a larger effort to address poverty and improve upward mobility in the city.