"Trump Implements New Policies on HBCUs, School Discipline, Foreign Donations, and Accreditation Standards"
"Trump Implements New Policies on HBCUs, School Discipline, Foreign Donations, and Accreditation Standards"
WASHINGTON – On April 23, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting education reform in the United States. The actions include directives to integrate artificial intelligence into K-12 classrooms and to challenge what he described as "woke ideology" in the accreditation process for universities.
The executive orders also address foreign donations to colleges and universities and establish a White House initiative to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Here’s an overview of some of the key measures the president unveiled at the White House:
Expanded AI Courses and Certifications for High School Students
The AI-focused order, first reported by USA TODAY, directs the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to develop pathways for high school students to access AI courses and certification programs. It also encourages collaboration with states to advance the integration of artificial intelligence in education.
Trump has directed the Education Department to emphasize artificial intelligence in discretionary grant programs focused on teacher training. He also tasked the National Science Foundation with advancing research on AI’s role in education, and called on the Labor Department to expand AI-related apprenticeship opportunities.
The executive order underscores the importance of integrating AI into classrooms to build technological proficiency among young Americans.
“This is a big deal, because AI seems to be where it's at,” Trump remarked before signing the order in the Oval Office.
Crackdown on 'Woke' Ideology in Accreditation
Another key directive aims to reform the accreditation process for colleges and universities. It calls on the Justice and Education Departments to investigate and address instances of “unlawful discrimination and ideological overreach,” according to a White House summary. The order encourages the use of measures such as denial, monitoring, suspension, or revocation of accreditation recognition for accreditors that underperform or violate federal civil rights laws.
Trump Unveils Executive Orders Targeting AI in Schools, University Accreditation, HBCUs, and Discipline Policies
By Trevor Hughes and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – On April 23, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping series of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. education policy. The new directives focus on integrating artificial intelligence into K-12 education, challenging what the administration calls “woke ideology” in university accreditation, and increasing oversight of foreign gifts to colleges. The orders also establish new federal support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and revoke prior guidance on school discipline policies.
AI Education and Workforce Preparation
One order, first reported by USA TODAY, directs the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to work with states to introduce AI courses and certification programs in high schools. It also calls on the Education Department to prioritize AI initiatives in teacher training grants, the National Science Foundation to fund AI research in education, and the Labor Department to expand AI-focused apprenticeships.
“This is a big deal, because AI seems to be where it's at,” Trump said during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, emphasizing the importance of preparing young Americans for an AI-driven future.
Accreditation Reform and ‘Woke’ Oversight
Another directive seeks to revamp the accreditation system for colleges and universities. According to a White House summary, the order urges the Justice and Education Departments to address “unlawful discrimination and ideological overreach” by accreditors. It recommends penalties such as denial, monitoring, suspension, or revocation of accreditation for violations of federal civil rights laws.
The White House specifically criticized the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards, claiming some accreditors have imposed discriminatory requirements. “This Executive Order builds on that legacy by reforming the accreditation system to prioritize student outcomes, eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote academic freedom and intellectual inquiry, and restore accountability,” the statement read.
Support for HBCUs and Scrutiny of Foreign Gifts
Trump’s orders also establish a new White House initiative to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, aiming to strengthen their role in the higher education landscape. Additionally, the administration is calling for greater transparency and oversight of foreign donations to U.S. colleges and universities.
Rollback of Obama-Era School Discipline Guidance
In another move, Trump rescinded guidance issued during the Obama administration related to racial disparities in school discipline. According to the White House, this step is intended to eliminate bias and restore fairness in how schools manage student behavior.
These orders mark a significant shift in federal education policy, reflecting the administration’s focus on technology, free speech, and institutional accountability.
Mmm
In his executive order, the president noted that during his first term, his administration launched investigations into 19 universities, which resulted in the disclosure of $6.5 billion in previously unreported foreign funding. He criticized the Biden administration for halting those transparency efforts.
“It is the policy of my Administration to end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions, protect the marketplace of ideas from propaganda sponsored by foreign governments, and safeguard America’s students and research from foreign exploitation,” Trump stated in a White House release.
Comments
Post a Comment