Recent content from Denise Johnson
Johnson: Welcome progress on reducing crime in Minneapolis
Gun violence was down by 9% last year and by nearly half since 2021.
Johnson: Minnesota's Feeding Our Future verdict is a start
Far more vigorous state oversight is needed to ensure that future criminals are deterred from stealing funds intended for the vulnerable.
Johnson: Defend free speech, student and educator rights at colleges and universities
Trump administration policies have led many school leaders to self-censor by creating policies that limit free speech.
Johnson: Stand firm: Resist Trump's deportation agenda, protect immigrants
Cities and states that understand the community-building value of immigrants must continue to welcome them and push back against efforts to demonize them.
Johnson: Justice is not well-served by cash bail
Minnesota should seize an opportunity to update its pretrial practices.
Johnson: Push back against anti-DEI efforts
Universities, educators and students are fighting back against Federal anti-DEI efforts.
Johnson: Keep violence prevention on task in Minneapolis
There's been some management difficulty, but progress on that front is being made.
Johnson: Good reasons to preserve the federal Dept. of Education
Eliminating the Dept. of Education would jeopardize equal access, quality standards and national educational progress.
Johnson: Can your 4th-grader read this headline?
America must drill down on proven reading, math instruction to boost alarming test scores.
Johnson: Immigration policy reform, not mass deportations
We'll all feel the economic difficulties of losing so many who contributed so much to our economy.
Johnson: Bringing the unhoused in from the cold
It's one thing to be unhoused in California or Florida — but quite another to be without a place to live during a Minnesota winter.
Johnson: Moving forward with MPD consent decrees
The community must hold the city's feet to the fire on the legally binding promises made.
Johnson: Clean-slate law is not only a just act, but an economic one
It's a boon for Minnesota, but it's important that everyone who needs to know about it does know.
Johnson: Additional evidence for stronger charter school oversight
Too often, charter school regulation in Minnesota is excessively lenient — state leaders must step in.
Johnson: Madison school shooting is the lesson that keeps repeating itself
Perhaps, we should simply stop calling school shootings unspeakable because they keep happening. Our children deserve better.
Johnson: Biden's mass pardons, clemency orders demonstrate need for reform
Klobuchar said Congress could create a vetting process for pardons that is similar to what some states currently have.
Johnson: Address juvenile detention staffing issues to keep kids safe
The juvenile justice system must be held to strict scrutiny for the safe detention and rehabilitation of Minnesota youth.
Johnson: Listen to taxpayers: Reduce the 2025 property tax increase plans
Cities need to make some of the same tough decisions that property owners are making as they try to manage their household budgets.
Johnson: Is a 4-day school week right for your schools? Lots to consider.
As school leaders consider a shorter week, they must carefully evaluate whether such a schedule is viable for their students, families and staff.
Johnson: Trump's education plans, secretary pick must be carefully vetted
McMahon's nomination is one thing; plans to dismantle the department she would run are another.
Johnson: Concordia U a smart leader on boosting college attendance
More than a decade after the school reset its tuition, Concordia University's cost is still lower than it was in 2013.
Johnson: Supporting kids targeted by racist texts
Another unfortunate teachable moment demands the attention of law enforcement and educators
Johnson: Economy worries reflected in Minnesota school referendum results
While tech levies did well enough, general operating levies were rejected at historical highs
Johnson: Minneapolis police failed the resident shot by his neighbor. It should take corrective action.
O'Hara's response is far from adequate.
Johnson: Disorder is a drag on neighborhoods and businesses. They need more help.
Intensify efforts to get homeless people and drug addicts off the streets.
Johnson: Minnesota Lynx gave fans a stellar season
They continue to contribute to the rising profile of women's professional sports.
Johnson: Reject the St. Paul child care ballot question
The need is real, but there are better ways to meet it.
Johnson: No more delays: Get moving on former MPD Third Precinct site
Minneapolis has a well-supported, feasible plan to return this eyesore to productive use. Why wait?
Johnson: Boost literacy levels for Minnesota students
Our state shouldn't accept its current concerning rates of reading proficiency.
Johnson: Evaluating Minnesota school referendum issues
Minnesotans can and should make informed choices for their schools on the Nov. 5 ballot.
From Opinion: More placement options needed for youngest juvenile offenders
Crime involving kids so young highlights the vexing question of what to do with the children involved.
A talk with Margot Lee Shetterly, the author of 'Hidden Figures'
Shetterly's bestseller is now an Oscar-nominated movie. She discusses the book, the film, her links to the true story and more.
Updating Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy
Many bridges yet to cross, longtime civil rights leader Vernon Jordan tells Minneapolis audience.
![Matt Little reflected on t the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington at his home in Roseville, Min., Tuesday, July 30, 2013. ] (KYNDELL HARKNESS](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JDYKP6TLUS6STD5KRKKIPKYRTI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Matthew Little made Minnesota a better place for all
Civil-rights leader and activist led the way on fair housing and equal employment.
Overcoming Washington gridlock for the greater good
Political insider Donna Brazile says the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. would have urged finding areas of agreement.
San Antonio mayor puts spotlight on education
Julian Castro recognizes how much cities can gain by closing achievement gaps.
Minnesotans remember March on Washington
Among those in the Minnesota delegation were local civil-rights activists Josie Johnson and Matt Little. Johnson, now 82, and Little, now 92, reflect on the march and today's realities.
School lockdown: A balance well struck
It's an unfortunate byproduct of our high-tech age: the internet provides new ways to harass and intimidate. The entire Minneapolis school system and several schools in St. Paul learned that the hard way on Wednesday when more than 60 buildings were locked down after shooting threats appeared on social networking websites.
Teaching teachers
The research is conclusive: A quality, effective teacher is the most important school-based way to help students learn. That's why the Bush Foundation wisely announced a $40 million grant over the next decade to transform teacher-preparation programs in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Stupid gift department
Firmly in the "what was he thinking?'' column is the recent boneheaded action by a candidate for Republican National Committee chairman. Chip Saltsman of Tennessee is rightly under fire in cyberspace and on talk shows for mailing fellow party members a CD for Christmas with a song titled, "Barack the Magic Negro.'
Charter school Q & A: 'To familiarize, not proselytize'
•Mo Chang, Executive director and principal of the Community School of Excellence charter school.
