Two federal judges, on Thursday, from both New Hampshire and Maryland blocked Trump administration directives that threatened to cut federal funding from public schools implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. US District Judge Landya McCafferty from New Hampshire sharply criticized and partially blocked a Trump administration policy that threatened to cut federal funding from […]
Current Events in Education
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
“Whitewashing” the curriculum: ACLU takes aim at Department of Defense schools
By: Markus Schmidt – April 15, 2025 This story was originally published in the Virginia Mercury on April 15, 2025. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing the U.S. Department of Defense over what it calls a sweeping campaign of censorship in public schools run for military families, including one in Virginia, accusing federal officials of banning […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Resisting the rollback: How select universities maintain DEI programs despite federal pressure
“Principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to our mission as a Jesuit institution and connect us to a long Catholic tradition of advocating for the dignity and worth of every person.” The quote above came from an April 9, 2025 mailing from the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Fordham announcing Pre Commencement Celebrations for groups […]
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U.S. Department of Education moves to strip Maine of federal K-12 funding over Title IX dispute
The U.S. Department of Education has escalated its Title IX enforcement efforts against the Maine Department of Education (MDOE), formally referring the case to the U.S. Department of Justice for legal action and initiating proceedings to revoke the state’s federal K -12 education funding. This move comes after the DOJ launched an investigation in February […]
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Who’s in charge here? The erosion of authority in schools
“I’d like you to go back to your seat,” I said after the third reminder for off-task behavior. “What!? Why?” she exclaimed, apparently totally stymied as to why I’d ask her to do such a thing. “Because a few minutes ago I told you that if you keep socializing, I would move you back to […]
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Trump administration gives guidance to school districts to use Title 1 to provide school choice
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education has issued new guidance to state education officials, clarifying how they can use federal formula funds to expand school choice initiatives. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order and campaign promises to expand school choice. This move would divert Title 1 funds […]
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Trump administration requests Supreme Court to halt teacher training grants
Update: 4/4/2025: On Friday, the Supreme Court allowed President Trump to temporarily freeze millions of dollars in grants to states used to address teacher shortages. The decision was 5-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal-leaning justices dissenting. In an unsigned option, the states have indicated “that they have the financial wherewithal to […]
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New lawsuit alleges cuts to the Department of Education impact students’ civil rights
Today, the National Education Association, a coalition of civil rights advocates that include the NAACP and American Federation of States, filed a federal lawsuit in federal district court arguing that the cuts to the Department of Education will impact the civil rights of students and will cause the agency not able to carry out many […]