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Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Ph.D.,

@jeffersonlenskyj.bsky.social

390 followers 190 following 100 posts

Toronto Canada/Sydney Australia. Activist, author, researcher, Professor Emerita, University of Toronto helenlenskyj.ca My next book: *THE QUEST FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE IN SPORT* Emerald Publishing, 2025

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Helen Jefferson Lenskyj is a Canadian sociologist and historian. Born and raised in Australia, she did graduate studies at the University of Toronto, where she then became a professor. A scholar of Olympic studies, she wrote several sport history books such as Out of Bounds: Women, Sport and Sexuality (1986), Olympic Industry Resistance (2008), Sexual Diversity and the Sochi 2014 Olympics (2014), and Gender, Athletes' Rights, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (2018), as well as an autobiography called A Lot to Learn (2005). .. more

Political science 38%

Sociology 36%

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Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Ph.D., @jeffersonlenskyj.bsky.social · Aug 26

PUBLISHED TODAY!!!
bookstore.emerald.com/the-quest-fo...

The Quest for Social Justice in Sport - Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Applying an intersectional analysis, the book examines issues of sex/gender/sexualities, disability, Global North/Global South disparities, doping, and violence in all its forms.

bookstore.emerald.com

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Reposted by Philip Nel, Alan Richardson, Scott A. Imberman , and 1 more Philip Nel, Alan Richardson, Scott A. Imberman, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Larry Ferlazzo @larryferlazzo.bsky.social · 11h

Oklahoma’s Republican governor criticizes guard deployment. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...

Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, a Republican and the chairman of the National Governors Association, on Thursday criticized the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Illinois as a violation of his beliefs in federalism and “states’ rights.”

His comments, in an interview with The New York Times, marked the first time a Republican governor has questioned the interstate deployment of National Guard troops over a governor’s objections. Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois and other Democratic elected officials have been strongly critical of the move and have implored Republican governors to join the opposition.

Mr. Stitt on Thursday said, “We believe in the federalist system — that’s states’ rights,” adding, “Oklahomans would lose their mind if Pritzker in Illinois sent troops down to Oklahoma during the Biden administration.”

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Paul Callahan (he/him) @paulcallahanmv.bsky.social · 1d

Disrespectful? I would counter that actually busting down a door the way ICE agents do, smashing a car window, or zip-tying children is a lot more "disrespectful" than some guy singing about it.

Kristi Noem Attacks Zach Bryan’s New Lyrics About ICE

www.nytimes.com

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Reposted by Scott L. Greer, John McLaren, Christopher Wright , and 9 more Scott L. Greer, John McLaren, Christopher Wright, Megan L. Ranney, Rosemary A. Joyce, Philip N. Cohen, James M. Graham, Gerald Friedman, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Terence Wood, Nicole Guenther Discenza, Nathan P. Kalmoe

jamelle @jamellebouie.net · 1d

i desperately want everyone involved in the destruction of USAID to have to, st the very least, answer to the american people for the suffering and misery they have caused apnews.com/article/myan...

Starving children screaming for food as US aid cuts unleash devastation and death across Myanmar

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said “no one has died" because of his government’s decision to gut its foreign aid program.

apnews.com

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Reposted by Steve Peers, Michael W. Kraus, Gerald Friedman , and 2 more Steve Peers, Michael W. Kraus, Gerald Friedman, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 3d

JUST IN: Chicago journalistsa re suing DHS and ICE over force used against reporters:

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

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Reposted by Rosemary A. Joyce, Robert C. Richards, W. Andy Knight , and 3 more Rosemary A. Joyce, Robert C. Richards, W. Andy Knight, Gerald Friedman, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 4d

My message to Kristi Noem is clear: Get out of Chicago.

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Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 4d

There. Is. No. Trans. Ban.

(yet)

Trans ban is being ignored, say swimmers
The Sunday Telegraph5 Oct 2025By Blaise Cloran and
SWIMMERS have accused the City of London Corporation (CLC) of failing to ban trans women entering Hampstead ladies’ pond, in defiance of equality laws.

They have criticised the corporation after it opened a consultation on allowing trans women into the single-sex ponds. This is despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in April that the word “sex” in the Equality Act refers to biological sex and not a person’s self-identified gender.

Swimmers say the ruling was clear and trans women, who are biological men, should be banned from the pond immediately. The consultation is due to run until Nov 25.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 4d

This happened last night and I hadn't heard about it until this post, so went to the BBC News homepage. You have to go all the way down the page, below recipes for 30 minute meals, and you find it as a text link in 'politics'.

screenshot of politics section on BBC News website that says Mosque fire being treated as arson and hate crime
Who is Japan's 'Iron Lady' Sanae Takaichi?
When music meets football - can you beat our lyrics quiz?
'We were having dinner and a tree crashed into our house'
Harrods sets aside more than £60m for abuse compensation

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Reposted by Alan Stewart, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Ruth Holliday @ruthholliday.bsky.social · 5d

Well, I for one, feel a lot safer now she’s off our streets!

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Reposted by Jennifer A. Richeson, John McLaren, Rosemary A. Joyce , and 4 more Jennifer A. Richeson, John McLaren, Rosemary A. Joyce, Robert C. Richards, Mary L. Dudziak, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Nathan P. Kalmoe

Matthew Kirschenbaum @mkirschenbaum.bsky.social · 5d

Resolution of the University of Virginia Faculty Senate (thus not institutional policy and entirely non-binding, but still inspirational):

Resolution Opposing the
"Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education"
WHEREAS the United States Secretary of Education has requested that the University of Virginia enter into a "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education", and WHEREAS the Compact contains provisions antithetical to the mission and traditions of the University, and
WHEREAS the Compact contains provisions which endanger the independence and integrity of the University, and
WHEREAS the compact likely violates state and federal law, and infringes upon the constitutional rights of members of the University community, and WHEREAS the University of Virginia exemplifies American academic values of the highest standard, including universal right to free speech and the cultivation of academic freedom; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate of the University of Virginia firmly opposes this Compact as written and calls upon Interim President Mahoney and the Board of Visitors to also reject this Compact outright as well as any similar proposal compromising the mission, values, and independence of the University.
Feature Date:
Friday, October 3, 2025

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Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Ph.D., @jeffersonlenskyj.bsky.social · 5d

is no one watching this?
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...

Hundreds of Israeli military vehicles seen in imagery surrounding Gaza City

Israeli troops are moving closer and closer to the heart of Gaza City, razing rows of buildings and converting tent cities into front lines, an ABC News analysis of satellite images shows.

www.abc.net.au

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Jeff Sharlet @jeffsharlet.bsky.social · 5d

It appears that my employer, Dartmouth, one of the Trump 9, has said no to the compact. All the better given that our president is cited within it. But she’s saying no. Count the small victories when they come.

Office of the President
Dear Dartmouth community,

As many of you know, Dartmouth was one of nine universities asked by the White House to give feedback by Oct. 20 on a draft of its “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.”

I am deeply committed to Dartmouth’s academic mission and values and will always defend our fierce independence.

You have often heard me say that higher education is not perfect and that we can do better. At the same time, we will never compromise our academic freedom and our ability to govern ourselves.

Best,
Sian Leah Beilock
President

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CNN @cnn.com · 6d

Adults and children alike were pulled from their Chicago apartments, crying and screaming, during a large overnight raid that has left tenants and neighbors shaken. https://cnn.it/4pPCXIt

37 people arrested and American kids separated from parents after ICE raid at Chicago apartments | CNN

Adults and children alike were pulled from their Chicago apartments, crying and screaming, during a large overnight raid that has left tenants and neighbors shaken.

www.cnn.com

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Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Ph.D., @jeffersonlenskyj.bsky.social · 6d

yes, a museum is a museum, not a gift shop
🙄

Reposted by Timothy Snyder, Juliet B. Schor, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Rachel Maddow @maddow.msnbc.com · 6d

look at the map here -- more than 2000 protests planned already...

www.nokings.org

No Kings

As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power ...

www.nokings.org

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Reposted by Nancy Kanwisher, Alan Richardson, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj , and 1 more Nancy Kanwisher, Alan Richardson, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Lisa Diedrich

Patrick Jackson @pehjackson.bsky.social · 6d

UVA Faculty Senate passed a resolution strongly opposing the Trump “Compact.” We, at least, remain committed to the historic values and mission of the university.

Resolution Opposing the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education"
WHEREAS the United States Secretary of Education has requested that the University of Virginia enter into a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education”, and
WHEREAS the Compact contains provisions antithetical to the mission and traditions of the University, and
WHEREAS the Compact contains provisions which endanger the independence and integrity of the University, and
WHEREAS the compact likely violates state and federal law, and infringes upon the constitutional rights of members of the University community, and
WHEREAS the University of Virginia exemplifies American academic values of the highest standard, including universal right to free speech and the cultivation of academic freedom; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate of the University of Virginia firmly opposes this Compact as written and calls upon Interim President Mahoney and the Board of Visitors to also reject this Compact outright as well as any similar proposal compromising the mission, values, and independence of the University.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Jesse Rabinowitz @jesserbnwtz.bsky.social · 6d

ICYMI: Yesterday, ICE raided a homeless shelter in Chicago, and DC Police arrested a homeless veteran and destroyed his belongings.

Pay attention to attacks on homeless folks. They will spread to everybody that the admin does not like.

This is fascism, full stop.

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Reposted by Gavin A. Schmidt, Mark D. White, Robert B. Reich , and 8 more Gavin A. Schmidt, Mark D. White, Robert B. Reich, William Myers, Ben Rosamond, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Henry Jones, Larry W. Hunter, Andrew Rudalevige, Timothy D. McBride, David Darmofal

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 6d

Leavitt: "When an illegal alien goes to the emergency room, who's paying for it? The American taxpayer."

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Monica Maalouf, MD @maaloufmd.bsky.social · 6d

My husband was detained by ICE today

Juan Muñoz, an American citizen, father of 2, and local government official, was peacefully protesting w. other elected officials. He was assaulted and taken away

I have had zero contact or updates since

#SOS
@duckworth.senate.gov @durbin.senate.gov

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Erin Reed @erininthemorning.com · 6d

I literally hate to give Newsom credit for anything, he's a snake when it comes to transgender issues, but he's legitimately doing a good thing here.

www.latimes.com/california/s...

Newsom threatens to cut state funding to universities that sign Trump’s political compact

The White House asked nine major universities, including USC, to commit to President Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Califor...

www.latimes.com

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leftynavyseal.bsky.social @leftynavyseal.bsky.social · 6d

Guardian: Gov Newsom says that any CA university that signs on for Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” will “instantly” lose all state funding. Trump’s Compact demands that university academic departments that “punish or belittle” conservative ideas be shut down.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 7d

The university compact being offered to universities requires colleges to eliminate the recognition of trans people and ban them from bathrooms, locker rooms, and gender segregated dorms.

www.pbs.org/newshour/amp...

Alt text: Screenshot of text describing the "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." It says the compact asks universities to adopt the government’s definition of gender for bathrooms, locker rooms, and women’s sports teams. It also asks colleges to stop considering race, gender, and other demographics in admissions and to require undergraduates to take the SAT or ACT.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Democratic Activists @democratswin.bsky.social · 7d

Newsom said Thursday that California will cut funding for schools that comply with the Trump’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” an agreement providing colleges with funding benefits if they agree to make policy changes in line with President Donald Trump’s education agenda.

Newsom: ‘No State Funding For Sell-Out Universities’ Complying With Trump Demands

Newsom’s threat comes as the Trump administration has threatened to pull funding from several universities across the U.S. if they do not agree to make changes aligned with the president’s agenda.

www.forbes.com

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Reposted by Jacob T. Levy, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Dr. David Miller 🏳️‍🌈 @davidimiller.bsky.social · 7d

A tale of two states and Trump's shakedown of higher ed:

TEXAS: Oh goody, yes, we love to strip away academic freedoms to serve Trump's wishes.

CALIFORNIA: Eat shit. Any university who signs the letter will lose state funding.

“The University of Texas system is honored that our flagship — the University of Texas at Austin — has been named as one of only nine institutions in the U.S. selected by the Trump administration for potential funding advantages under its new Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” Kevin P. Eltife, the chairman of the University of Texas Board of Regents, said in a statement on Thursday. “We enthusiastically look forward to engaging with university officials and reviewing the compact immediately.”

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Reposted by Melanie C. Green, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Senator Tim Kaine @kaine.senate.gov · 7d

Seven years ago today, the Saudi Crown Prince directed the murder of VA resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

As we honor Jamal's memory, we are reminded that we must protect reporters around the world as they uncover the truth, inform the public, and promote accountability.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

NOlympics LA @nolympicsla.bsky.social · 7d

Oh look, more LA x IOF crossover! Shout out USC for facilitating!

Screenshot of an article titled “USC sold dead bodies to U.S. military to train IDF medical personnel.” The sub hed is “A review of seven years’ worth of contracts unveiled more than $860,000 to use cadavers in surgical training involving the Israeli Defense Forces.” By USC Annenberg Media, October 1, 2025.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Farah Mendlesohn

Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · 7d

Jane Fonda Relaunches Henry Fonda’s McCarthy-Era “Committee for the First Amendment”

Jane Fonda Relaunches Henry Fonda's McCarthy-Era “Committee for the First Amendment”

The Oscar-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda is relaunching her father's free speech organization, Committee for the First Amendment, which Henry Fonda established in 1947 to combat the rise of McCarthyism.

www.democracynow.org

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Farah Mendlesohn

Stats for Lefties 🍉🏳️‍⚧️ @leftiestats.bsky.social · 7d

🚨 NEW | Anti-trans hate group "Green Women's Declaration" have been formally barred from Green Party conference.

The group sought a stall at conference, but their bid was denied by the party. Green leader Zack Polanski recently affirmed the party's support for trans rights.

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Reposted by Helen Jefferson Lenskyj

Alex Wild @alexwild.bsky.social · 7d

I've obtained the Trump compact document, let me summarize it for you.

Screen cap of a document reading "COMPACT FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
American higher education is the envy of the world and represents a key strategic benefit for our
Nation. In turn, the U.S. university system benefits in a variety of ways from its extraordinary relationship
with the U.S. government. These include (i) access to student loans, grant programs, and federal contracts;
(ii) funding for research directly or indirectly; (iii) approval of student and other visas in connection with
university matriculation and instruction; and (iv) preferential treatment under the tax code. To advance the
national interest arising out of this unique relationship, this Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher
Education represents the priorities of the U.S. government in its engagements with universities that benefit
from the relationship. Institutions of higher education are free to develop models and values other than
those below, if the institution elects to forego federal benefits." with bits circled in color and translated to "Nice college you've got there. We hold all your money. It'd be a real shame if anything happened to it."

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Reposted by Dorothy Bishop, Scott L. Greer, Philip Nel , and 7 more Dorothy Bishop, Scott L. Greer, Philip Nel, Yannis Hamilakis, Joni Lovenduski, Scott A. Imberman, Jonathan Webber, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Nelson Flores, Nathan P. Kalmoe

Hunter Walker @hunterw.bsky.social · 7d

UPenn professors have responded forcefully to the Trump administration's that colleges sign a "compact" in order to secure funding:

"When an invitation is accompanied by consequences for not accepting it, it is in fact a threat, not an invitation." aaup-penn.org/statement-by...

Statement by the AAUP-Penn Executive Committee on the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education | AAUP–Penn

October 2, 2025 We have received reports that Penn has been “invited” to sign a so-called “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” by the federal government, and that failing to do so wou...

aaup-penn.org

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Reposted by Anna O. Law, Linda J. Skitka, Ken Caldeira , and 12 more Anna O. Law, Linda J. Skitka, Ken Caldeira, Patrick Dunleavy, David Kaufman, Melanie C. Green, Rebecca Tushnet, Robert B. Reich, Samantha Brennan, Jason Lyall, Helen Jefferson Lenskyj, Michael Jones‐Correa, Lisa Diedrich, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, Nathan P. Kalmoe

Preorder Read This When Things Fall Apart @mskellymhayes.bsky.social · 7d

We need a bigger national spotlight on this building raid, fam. Agents dropped from helicopters onto the roof. Citizens and non-citizens alike were dragged from their homes in the night. People who weren't kidnapped during the raid had their belongings seized after the fact. This is madness.

Preorder Read This When Things Fall Apart @mskellymhayes.bsky.social · 7d

"Jones, 27, is among the residents left at 7500 S. South Shore Drive who are trying to piece together what remains after an early morning, high-powered federal immigration raid led to the arrests of dozens of their neighbors at their South Shore apartment building."

Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: 'I feel defeated'

The Department of Homeland Security said federal agents with Border Patrol, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested 37 people in the raid.

chicago.suntimes.com

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