Washington, DC – President Trump took action on Wednesday regarding policies in both higher education and K-12 schools. One of the main focuses was on addressing college and university accreditors. The White House criticized these accreditors for allegedly imposing discriminatory standards based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In response, new executive actions were signed to address potential abuses in the accreditation process.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed optimism about the newly signed Executive Orders, highlighting the importance of encouraging innovation in the higher education accreditation system, fostering transparency in college finances, and supporting the integration of new technologies in the classroom. These orders reflect Trump’s conservative approach to education in the United States and are intended to roll back policies established during the Biden administration.
Notably, changes were also introduced to improve teaching about artificial intelligence in schools and to launch a new initiative focused on historically Black colleges and universities. The administration aims to bolster workforce training programs while promoting diversity and intellectual discourse on college campuses.
One key executive order calls for a revision of the college accreditation system to hold institutions accountable for ideological bias. The goal is to increase intellectual diversity on campuses by recognizing new accreditors and promoting competition in the higher education landscape. The administration also emphasizes the need for colleges to disclose foreign gifts, warning that federal grants could be revoked if institutions fail to comply with disclosure requirements.
In the K-12 sector, Trump issued an executive action aimed at revising school discipline policies. The administration seeks to revoke previous measures aimed at reducing racial disparities in disciplinary actions. The newly proposed guidance focuses on ensuring that school discipline practices are based on objective behavior rather than racial preferences.
Overall, the collection of executive actions reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing education quality, workforce development, and educational equity in the United States. By prioritizing initiatives that promote innovation, transparency, and accountability, the Trump administration continues to shape the educational landscape in the country.