Federal Education Policy

New York Rejects Trump’s DEI School Order

New York’s defiance of a federal order targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools is a significant development. The state’s education agency firmly asserts that no federal or state laws prohibit DEI principles. This clear and direct rejection underscores a fundamental disagreement regarding the legality and even the definition of DEI practices targeted by the federal order. The lack of a concrete definition from the federal government further strengthens New York’s position, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the order’s scope and application.

The state’s response is not merely a legal argument; it represents a broader rejection of what the state views as an overreach of federal authority into local education matters.… Continue reading

States Fear Trump’s Education Department Dismantling Plan

President Trump’s proposal to abolish the U.S. Education Department and return education policy to the states faces significant hurdles. State officials, regardless of party affiliation, express widespread unpreparedness for assuming the department’s responsibilities, including the distribution of crucial funding for disadvantaged and disabled students. The plan’s lack of detail raises concerns about funding gaps, oversight of schools, and the enforcement of civil rights protections, particularly if block grants replace current funding mechanisms. While some conservatives advocate for transferring certain functions to other federal agencies, the overall impact on states and students remains highly uncertain.

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