Trump Orders Schools to Cut Critical Race Theory, Protect Jewish Students/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Trump Targets DEI in Schools, Pledges Crackdown on Campus Antisemitism/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Wednesday, targeting critical race theory (CRT) and gender ideology in K-12 schools, while also cracking down on antisemitism on college campuses. The orders threaten to revoke federal funding from schools teaching CRT and direct the Justice Department to investigate antisemitic incidents on campuses. Trump’s measures follow through on key campaign promises, but face legal challenges as critics argue they limit academic freedom and free speech.
Trump’s Education Orders: Quick Looks
- Federal Funding Threatened: Schools teaching critical race theory, gender ideology, or “inappropriate” content could lose federal money.
- Crackdown on Campus Antisemitism: DOJ to investigate antisemitic incidents, revoke visas for foreign students supporting Hamas.
- New Guidelines for K-12 Schools: Education Department must develop a plan within 90 days to “end indoctrination.”
- Opposition from Educators and Civil Rights Groups: Critics argue the orders restrict free speech and marginalize minority students.
- Trump Restores “1776 Commission”: The controversial historical education panel returns after being revoked by Biden.
Trump Orders Schools to Cut Critical Race Theory, Protect Jewish Students
Trump’s Executive Orders Reshape Education Policies
K-12 Schools: CRT and Gender Ideology Banned
- Defines CRT as “inherently racist” and a form of indoctrination.
- Calls for enforcement under civil rights laws to ban race and gender-based policies in classrooms.
- Directs the Education Secretary (awaiting Senate confirmation) to create a 90-day plan to end “ideological instruction.”
Crackdown on Campus Antisemitism
Trump’s second order directs:
- Justice Department to investigate antisemitic activity at colleges.
- Deportation of non-citizen students supporting Hamas or engaging in violent protests.
- Increased penalties for campus vandalism and intimidation linked to anti-Israel demonstrations.
“We will not tolerate antisemitism in American universities,” Trump stated.
Opposition from Educators, Civil Rights Groups
- Teachers’ unions argue the CRT ban is vague and discourages honest discussions about history.
- Civil rights advocates say the antisemitism order misrepresents campus protests and violates free speech rights.
- Legal experts predict court challenges, especially over federal funding restrictions.
Final Thoughts: Policy Shift or Legal Battle?
Trump’s education orders mark a major policy shift, but their long-term impact depends on legal challenges and enforcement. With Democrats and civil rights groups preparing lawsuits, the fate of these policies will likely be decided in court.
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