In a major policy push, former President Donald Trump signed two executive orders focused on education and campus issues related to race, gender, and antisemitism. The measures reflect efforts to deliver on key Republican priorities, though their implementation may face legal challenges.
Executive Order to Restrict Critical Race Theory and Gender Education
One order aims to prevent the use of federal funds in K-12 schools that teach topics like critical race theory or “radical gender ideology.” Schools that do not comply could risk losing federal funding. Trump’s administration views these subjects as forms of “indoctrination” that promote biased or divisive perspectives.
Key Points of the Order:
- Focus on Critical Race Theory: The order describes critical race theory as an “inherently racist policy” and part of a broader push against what it calls divisive content in schools.
- Gender Identity Education: Specific school policies that encourage recognition of students’ chosen names and pronouns or lessons that challenge the traditional gender binary are included as targets of the new measures.
- Enforcement Mechanism: The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will investigate violations, though severe penalties, like cutting federal funds, would need court approval.
The order has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Critics, like Trey Walk of Human Rights Watch, argue that preventing education on topics related to discrimination will hinder progress in combating systemic racism.
Expanding Measures to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses
Trump’s second executive order focuses on tackling antisemitism at U.S. universities and colleges, particularly following tensions sparked by pro-Palestinian protests. The order calls for the Justice Department to prosecute individuals or groups involved in antisemitic incidents and to revoke the visas of international students identified as “Hamas sympathizers.”
Key Elements of the Plan:
- Immediate Federal Action: The order promises to investigate antisemitic activities and punish offenders through legal channels.
- Deportation Threats: Nonresident students found engaging in antisemitic or pro-Hamas activities face the possibility of deportation.
- Protests and Free Speech Concerns: Civil rights groups, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations, argue that many of the targeted protests are constitutionally protected expressions of free speech.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, a leader at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, criticized the order as discriminatory, suggesting that peaceful student protests are being unfairly labeled as extremist actions.
Reinstatement of the 1776 Commission for Patriotic Education
Trump also revived the controversial 1776 Commission, which was initially created during his first term to promote “patriotic education.” The commission had been disbanded by the Biden administration due to widespread criticism from historians who believed it downplayed slavery and civil rights struggles.
The new effort is intended to reshape how American history is taught in schools, with a focus on promoting a more positive narrative of the nation’s founding and ideals.
These executive orders reflect Trump’s broader push to influence the education system and address cultural debates over race, gender, and national identity.
While supporters view the measures as necessary to restore traditional values, critics argue they stifle important conversations about history, civil rights, and social justice. As these policies face legal review and potential opposition, their lasting impact remains uncertain.