How Trump Can Use the Education Department to Shake Things Up

Recently, former President Donald Trump has made big promises about education. Instead of shutting down the Department of Education, he could use it as a tool to challenge current policies. This wouldn't be the first time Republican candidates have talked about shutting down the department, but they've never followed through. Trump could break this trend if he wins the upcoming election. One important area is K-12 education. The current administration has used Title IX to push gender ideology in schools. Trump could flip this, using Title IX to protect girls' sports and bathrooms. In California, a new law lets schools hide social gender transitions from parents. This goes against federal privacy laws, and the Education Department could step in. The debate also touches on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. Just like the current administration stops schools from teaching about the evils of blackness, Trump's administration could crack down on schools teaching about the evils of whiteness. This would disrupt the multi-million dollar DEI industry. In higher education, Trump could tackle antisemitism. Colleges receive federal funds, and Trump's administration could make them conditional on specific anti-discrimination actions. This includes abolishing DEI departments, reporting students involved in anti-Israel protests, and accounting for all foreign funds. Such moves could send a strong message to all colleges.

Trump has also promised to end DEI statements for faculty hires and promotions. These statements are often used to discriminate against white applicants. Elite universities are starting to turn away from this practice, and Trump could accelerate this change. For college freshmen, Trump could stop mandatory DEI training sessions. These sessions create a racially hostile environment, and a simple "Dear Colleague" letter could change this. Bias Reporting Systems in colleges are another issue. These systems can threaten students with conservative views. While the Education Department can't destroy these systems, the Department of Justice can protect students' First Amendment rights. Trump could also use the accreditation system to push for change. By making it easier for colleges to switch accreditors and by shutting down the worst actors, he could limit DEI requirements. No student should have to agree with neo-Marxist ideology to graduate. Lastly, Trump could ensure colleges follow the ban on race-based affirmative action. The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights could refer schools to the Department of Justice when necessary. All these moves don't require Congressional votes. If Trump uses the department effectively, Democrats might even call for its abolition.

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