President Trump Ushers in Large-Scale Education Reforms
While proponents argue these measures enhance educational freedom, critics contend they may undermine equity and inclusivity within the American education system.
BRYNN LEE
President Trump Holds Up Signed Executive Order, The 74, 2025
The Trump Administration has released a slew of education-based executive orders aimed at reshaping education in the United States, emphasizing school choice, deregulation of education, and the reinforcement of conservative educational values in school. These executive orders have put schools, institutions, and education groups on high alert across the nation, many fearing the end of federally regulated, equitable education.
A major cornerstone of the Trump educational agenda has been to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. First established in 1979, the Department of Education creates education policies, tracks the academic progress of students, and distributes federal funds to state and local school systems, especially benefiting underprivileged districts through programs like Title I, providing financial aid via Pell Grants and student loans, and enforcing civil rights laws such as Title IX. Despite the administration's calls for abolition, experts emphasize that such a move requires congressional approval and could disrupt the support systems that many students rely on. Without the Department of Education and the federal grants they issue, many districts relying on these grants to alleviate teacher expenses, fund programs like STEM, and support reconstruction and renovation of school infrastructure will no longer have the resources to support these initiatives.
Recently, the Trump administration has taken steps to reinterpret Title IX (the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs) in a more conservative light. In a notable action, the Department of Education initiated a civil rights investigation into a Denver high school's decision to convert a female bathroom into an all-gender facility. This move is one of many that have challenged policies perceived as “liberal approaches” to gender identity in schools. Additionally, the administration has reinstated the 2020 Title IX regulations, which have been criticized for making it more challenging for students to report and investigate sexual violence. These new guidelines may not adequately protect vulnerable students, particularly those from LGBTQ+ communities, and could discourage the reporting of sexual misconduct.
Furthermore, expanding school choice has been a consistent priority for the Trump administration from Trump’s first term. An executive order signed in January 2025 strengthened the role of parents in directing their children's education and seeks to broaden educational opportunities through alternative methods like school vouchers. While many argue that such measures empower parents and promote competition among schools, opponents raise concerns that diverting public funds to private and religious institutions may exacerbate educational inequalities and undermine the public education system. Additionally, school vouchers have been shown to be ineffective, usually only covering a portion of the cost needed. The deregulation of religious and private schools allows for policies that exclude students, including those with physical and learning disabilities.
Finally, the Trump administration has advocated for a return to what it terms "patriotic education," aiming to refocus curriculum on traditionally conservative subjects and values. An executive order issued in January 2025 seeks to eliminate what it describes as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling. This executive order, under the pretense of the removal of “anti-American” education, eliminates the very ideals of America. Much of the education deemed anti-American explores critical topics like diversity, racism, gender identity, and religion. This education and the conservations that stem from it encourage students to think critically and explore the ideals and make their own beliefs. Suppressing such schooling and enforcing conservative and Christian ideals leads to less inclusive and comprehensive educational experiences.
The Trump administration's education policies represent a significant shift toward increased parental control, deregulation, and a focus on traditional educational values. While these initiatives are framed as efforts to enhance educational freedom and quality, it is crucial to consider their potential implications for equity and inclusivity within the American education system. As these policies continue to evolve, ongoing scholarly analysis and public discourse will be essential in assessing their long-term impact.
Saphron Initiative staff and guest contributors often express their views in pieces on Edisco. These pieces do not constitute an organizational endorsement of the viewpoints within. Our goal is to encourage and uplift student voices and we respect diverse opinions. We encourage all readers to conduct further research and develop informed opinions on the issues discussed.
