Four toys (at least one of which probably evokes one of your most vivid childhood memories) joined the National Toy Hall of Fame yesterday.

Happening off Campus: On Thursday, Bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and the playground slide were all inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Since 1998, the Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has recognized toys that have achieved icon-status, enjoyed popularity over multiple generations, and encouraged creativity and innovation. While the four aforementioned toys were the museum’s top picks, the competition was fierce, with nominees also including classics like Bop It!, Polly Pocket, and Yahtzee (AP).

Happening near Campus: The US Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case in Maryland that could affect specialized high school admissions in New York City. The case centers on a lottery- and test-based admissions system implemented by the Montgomery County Board of Education during the pandemic in order to increase the share of Black and Hispanic Students in its magnet schools. Drawing on legal precedent, the plaintiffs plan to argue that—while it contains no explicit mention of race—the policy is racially discriminatory against Asian and White students who have seen their numbers decline at the schools post-implementation. If the Court sides with them, experts anticipate greater scrutiny of policies aimed at improving racial diversity at specialized high schools around the country, such as Stuyvesant High School and Staten Island Tech in New York City, both of which admitted fewer than 5 Black students this year (Gothamist).

Happening on-Campus: Today from 12 to 3 pm, the CU Well Peer Leaders will be on Lerner Ramps, promoting health and well-being resources at Columbia, as well as giving out freebies like sleep kits, stickers, and lip balm. See details here.

Song of the Day: Sweet Life by Frank Ocean

Toys”R”Us via Bwarchives