Education
Presidential Executive Orders
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January 20, 2025 (W.H. Link) - The order asserts that the previous administration implemented unpopular and harmful practices, including embedding "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) into Federal institutions, which it claims undermines merit and equality. It criticizes open border policies for straining resources and climate policies for driving inflation and overregulation. Relevant executive orders revoked include:
Executive Order 14000 of January 21, 2021 (Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers).
Executive Order 14045 of September 13, 2021 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics).
Executive Order 14050 of October 19, 2021 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans).
Executive Order 14124 of July 17, 2024 (White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions).
Executive Order 14021 of March 8, 2021 (Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity).
The order mandates the immediate termination of Federal implementation of "unlawful and radical DEI ideology" by agency heads (SEE RELATED EXECUTIVE ORDER). It further directs the Directors of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and National Economic Council (NEC) to review actions taken under previous administration directives, recommending within 45 days which should be rescinded, replaced, or amended to "enhance American prosperity." Additionally, the National Security Advisor (NSA) must review all National Security Memoranda (NSMs) issued between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, to identify any harm to national security, domestic resilience, or American values, and provide recommendations for rescission within the same timeframe.
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January 29, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive order establishes a federal policy to expand school choice and educational freedom, emphasizing that many students do not thrive in government-run K-12 schools. Citing low national proficiency rates in reading and math, the order argues that geographically assigned schooling exacerbates housing costs and limits parental choice. To address these issues, the Secretary of Education is directed to issue guidance on utilizing federal funds to support state-based K-12 choice initiatives. The order also mandates reviews of discretionary grant programs by the Departments of Education and Labor to expand education freedom. Additionally, it calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to determine how block grants can support private and faith-based educational options for low-income families. The Departments of Defense and the Interior are instructed to explore ways military families and students eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools can use federal funding for school choice. These initiatives aim to increase competition, improve educational outcomes, and provide families with greater control over their children's education.
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January 29, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive order establishes policies to combat perceived ideological indoctrination in K-12 education and promote patriotic education. It asserts that schools have been teaching divisive and anti-American ideologies that undermine parental authority and national unity. The order directs federal agencies to ensure compliance with laws that protect parental rights and prohibit discriminatory educational practices. It also mandates an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" to eliminate federal funding for programs that promote gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. Additionally, it reestablishes the 1776 Commission to advance patriotic education and support the celebration of America's 250th anniversary of independence.
Key Provisions:
Ending Indoctrination Strategy: Federal agencies must review and prevent federal funding from supporting discriminatory educational practices and ideological instruction.
Parental Rights Protection: Ensures compliance with FERPA, PPRA, Title VI, and Title IX to safeguard parental rights in education.
Reestablishment of the 1776 Commission: Promotes patriotic education and oversees historical initiatives, including the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Monitoring Compliance: Federal agencies must verify that educational institutions receiving federal funds observe Constitution Day.
Prioritizing Patriotic Education: Directs funding to programs that enhance American history and civics education through various government agencies.
The order emphasizes reinforcing traditional educational values and curbing what it describes as harmful ideological influences in schools.
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February 15th, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive order establishes a policy prohibiting the use of discretionary federal funds to support educational institutions that require students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition for in-person attendance. The administration argues that such mandates infringe on personal freedom, parental authority, and religious beliefs, particularly given the low risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in children and young adults. The order seeks to ensure that students and parents have the freedom to make informed medical decisions without coercion from schools or universities.
To enforce this policy, the Secretary of Education is directed to issue guidelines clarifying the legal obligations of educational institutions regarding parental rights, religious freedom, disability accommodations, and equal protection under the law. Within 90 days, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, must present a plan to the President outlining steps to end coercive COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools. This plan must include a review of federal grants and contracts awarded to non-compliant institutions and a process for rescinding or preventing such funding. The order underscores the administration’s stance that vaccine mandates should not be a barrier to education and that institutions receiving federal funds must respect individual medical choices.