AACS Today

Chloe's Story: From Gender Deception to Redemption

On this episode, Jamison and Matt welcome Chloe Cole, an articulate 21-year-old woman passionately advocating against the practice of transitioning minors. Chloe shares her powerful, true story of undergoing medical gender transition between the ages of 12 and 16, which included puberty-suppressing drugs, high-dose testosterone, and a double mastectomy at age 15. She speaks with firsthand authority on the deeply traumatic effects of these "sex-denying procedures" and the consequences of medical professionals disregarding their oath to "do no harm." Chloe shares the isolation and alienation experienced in public school settings, the challenge parents face when seeking expert advice that often pushed instant affirmation, and the importance of affirming God's design and restoring the sanctity of family. She offers vital counsel to parents, urging them to teach their children critical thinking to inoculate them against ideological deceptions prevalent online. Chloe concludes by discussing her legislative advocacy, including the Chloe Cole Act, a federal effort to allow those harmed as minors to seek legal justice by reforming medical malpractice statute of limitations. Her testimony highlights her journey of healing and redemption found through faith in Christ.

Next Steps in the DOE Closure

In this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the significant next steps announced by Secretary Linda McMahon in the effort to close the Department of Education. Since permanent closure requires Congress, the department is moving programs through inter-agency agreements with several programs transferring to other agencies including the State Department and Department of Labor. The hosts focus on the consequential move of elementary and secondary education to the Department of Labor, which raises concerns about balancing workforce preparation (like Career and Technical Education) with virtue development and knowledge acquisition. Programs statutorily required to remain at the DOE include the Office for Civil Rights (Title IX), Federal Student Aid, and Special Education. AACS schools are advised to anticipate changes regarding the administration of Title funding. The episode wraps up by celebrating Maureen Van Den Berg's 20-year milestone with AACS.

The Ministry of Politics with Texas State Senator Phil King

In this episode, Matt and Jamison welcome Texas State Senator Phil King—a respected Christian political leader representing constituents in Senate District 10—to discuss the major legislative battles shaping the state and the nation. Senator King provides deep insight into the Ten Commandments bill, which mandates the posting of the commandments in Texas public schools, and the ongoing legal challenges at the Fifth Circuit. The discussion pivots to the often-litigious and complex world of redistricting, including the effort to increase Republican congressional seats in Texas, and why Christians should be engaged in this political process Finally, Senator King details the historic passing of Texas' school choice bill, the largest rollout of its kind in American history, explaining its goal to offer options, competition, and funding to families in poorly performing districts This conversation underscores the "ministry of politics"—the duty of Christian men and women to be actively involved in government, an institution ordained by God for the good of society.

Playing Footsies with Fuentes

This episode of AACS Today dissects a public "dust up brewing" among conservative friends, viewed as a critical fight for the "soul of conservatism." The hosts analyze the debate over the quote "No enemies to my right" amidst current political realignments, discussing controversies involving key figures like Matt Walsh, Tucker Carlson, and the Heritage Foundation. Gain Christian perspective on this spiritual war and learn to discern truth by referencing the parables of the wheat and the tares and the sheep and the goats.

The Carrot or the Stick?

Trump versus Higher Education: Are colleges taking the bait? President Trump is using a high-stakes "carrot or the stick" approach to force reform. The stick? Civil rights investigations and taxing massive multi-billion-dollar endowments. The carrot? The Compact for Excellence in Higher Education. Signatories receive priority research grants for adopting merit-based admissions, freezing tuition costs, and protecting Title IX women's spaces from men. Only nine major institutions were offered this deal, and none have signed on as of yet. Critics claim Trump is politicizing federal funding. Don't miss AACS Today, Episode 103!