Trump signs executive orders on race, gender, and campus protests in education
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In a series of executive actions, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed multiple orders addressing race-related education, transgender policies in schools, and campus protests, reigniting debates on these controversial issues.
One of the key orders, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," seeks to limit the teaching of race-related topics and gender identity in primary and secondary schools. It also establishes a commission to promote "patriotic education," ensuring that U.S. history is taught in a way that highlights the country's achievements rather than focusing on its flaws.
The same directive also moves to restrict school policies that accommodate transgender students. It opposes requirements for teachers to use preferred pronouns and seeks to limit access to locker rooms and facilities based on biological sex rather than gender identity.
However, since education policies in the U.S. are largely controlled at the state level, the federal government has limited authority to enforce these changes. To strengthen compliance, the order mandates that federal agencies produce a report within 90 days on ways to condition federal funding to encourage adherence to these policies.
Another executive order, "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism," addresses the rise of campus protests following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war. It focuses on vandalism and discrimination against Jewish students in the wake of widespread demonstrations.
The order directs federal agencies to identify potential actions against universities that fail to prevent such incidents. It also calls for a review of visa policies for foreign students involved in illegal protest activities, signaling potential deportations for those found in violation of U.S. laws.
Trump also signed an order aimed at expanding school choice, a policy that allows students to use public funds to attend private schools. This initiative, long supported by Republicans, is intended to provide more educational options for families but has faced criticism from those who argue it diverts funds away from public schools.
In just 10 days in office, Trump has made sweeping policy moves through executive orders, covering topics from immigration enforcement to restrictions on gender transitions for minors.