#5SmartReads - April 13, 2023

Hitha on housing politics, the battle raging in Houston's no-longer-independent school district, and hobbies

April 13, 2023

The single family home is one of those hallmarks of the American Dream, or having “made it.”

And it is a factor in the housing crisis this country is facing (among other factors as well, such as private equity or real estate companies buying up homes as investments, inflation and rising costs of construction materials and labor, and zoning laws that limit the types of homes that can be built).

Changing zoning laws is the most simple solution (zero cost and quicker than other solutions), and some cities are pursuing that approach. But it’s not enough on its own, and I’m curious to see how proposals and bills in state legislatures actually get executed if and when they’re passed into law (and if the necessary investment in housing will actually be allocated in said bills).

The one heartening move? Both parties are paying attention and offering their proposals. Let’s hope we figure out a way to make it a reality.

The added labor mothers face during holidays is something we’re all aware of. But I confess that I didn’t think about this load for Muslim mothers during Ramadan - especially those with very young kids, like Zainab Khan.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and Muslims fast from dusk to dawn (there are exceptions for illness, pregnancy, menstruation, and for children).

Regardless of any of our individual faith and beliefs, I think most of us feel seen in these words:

“Why is it that for mothers the spiritual significance of Ramadan comes at the cost of mental health?

Many Muslim mothers feel that their mental wellbeing is secondary to their spiritual growth both inside and outside our religious community. We’re conditioned to believe that burn-out and exhaustion during Ramadan is “normal,” or even an expression of devotion. But no one ever peels back the curtain to see the price that we pay.

Ramadan is about self-improvement and strengthening our relationship with God. But all of these things can only be achieved successfully if Muslim mothers are given the support they need to fulfill their practice.” 

Ramandan Kareem to all my Muslim friends!

I still think about the immense bravery of the women and girls in Iran in their fight for freedom, and never fail to be horrified by the actions of the Islamic Republic in response.

Like poisoning their own people, which has been reported on at great risk to local journalists and their families, and scientists calling for a detailed and transparent investigation that will likely never happen.

For as dark as the Iranian regime’s actions are, Roya Hakakian presents the case for hope if America can act quickly and decisively:

“The unprecedented calls for change within Iran present the United States with a historic opportunity. For years, many Americans have believed that the U.S. robbed Iran of a democratic future by supporting its last monarch, the Shah. History is now offering America a second chance to keep faith with the nation’s democratic aspiration. With Russia and China, and now possibly Saudi Arabia, as its autocratic allies, the theocratic regime in Tehran is poised to survive its economic woes. China hopes to replace America on the world stage, but for the many millions of Iranians who are yearning for a democratic future, China can offer only more of the dark present in which they already live. The Iranians’ demand for the rule of law creates a space for America to act as no other global leader can: by hearing and answering the call of people for freedom.”

For Valentine’s Day, my husband surprised me with a needlepoint kit, with the canvas reading “take your pleasure seriously.” It’s been sitting in its packaging in our family room shelves since February 14th. Yesterday, I finally took it off the shelf and unwrapped it, and began stitching the letters as I watched Vanderpump Rules.

VPR never fails to help my brain turn off, though I’m usually scrolling mindlessly on Instagram or playing Sudoku while I watch and can feel that low hum of anxious feelings under my skin. But last night, I felt a sense of calm and peace that I haven’t felt in a while - probably the last time I picked up a canvas.

Hobbies are not just a creative outlet - they can be a powerful, enjoyable part of our mental healthcare as well. And while finding a hobby can feel overwhelming, I loved all the ones shared in this piece - from low lift ones that only require a piece of paper and a pen to the longtime passions - and hope you find a little inspiration to restart an old beloved hobby, or find something new.

I’m doing both - picking up my favorite craft again, and also giving pickleball a try with a lesson with CityPickle at Wollman Rink!

Houston Independent School District’s board (its superintendent and trustees) reflects the community it serves. The elected leadership is predominantly women and people of color, and they’ve been working hard to give the schools whatever resources they can gather to support teachers and students, and raise their accountability ratings.

These ratings didn’t raise fast enough, and now the Texas Education Agency is about to take over the leadership of the district. The head of the TEA was appointed (not elected) by Governor Abbott (who has been a vocal champion of book bans and DEI restrictions in hiring and backs school vouchers - not exactly an ally of the public education system).

The cherry-picking of details to support TEA’s legal claims to take over HISD remind me so much of the mifepristone ruling in the same state - an incredibly narrow reading of the law that ignores the key context and details.

“Two lower courts previously continued an injunction to stop the HISD takeover, but this year’s state Supreme Court ruling allows the TEA to proceed with its plans even though Wheatley High School is no longer failing. To turn Wheatley around and improve the school district overall, Molina said, “the community elected an almost entirely new board to represent them and make changes to make HISD better. In the last two to three years, this board, students and educators have shown growth and improvement.”  

Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, the union representing HISD’s instructors, emphasized how remarkable it is that Wheatley High made gains during the pandemic, a period when schools nationally struggled.

“If this school could improve during the pandemic, just imagine what the school, or any other school in HISD that may be experiencing some low numbers, could do with more support?” she asked. “But if this one school, which now has a C rating, and the district overall has a B+ rating  … why does the commissioner feel he has no other choice but to go back to 2019 in 2023?””

The battle for our democracy is happening within the our school boards right now. It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening in your community, and what outside groups and your local and state governments are doing as well. Emily has an excellent IG highlight about Moms4Liberty that is worthy of your time.

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