“One thing I will do very soon in the administration is Neighbor Him Department of Education in Washington, DC,” he warned Donald Trump in a campaign video. The now president-elect In the announcement it was said that the officials public working in the department “They hate children” and blamed the schools for “indoctrinate children with racially, sexually and politically inappropriate material”, in reference to the contents of inclusive civic education. Trump will return to Candies with the branch favorable legislationBut some old-guard Republicans have already said they won’t give him carte blanche, so the question is how far he can go with his campaign promise.
The best known proposal is that of ban books. This is exactly the tip of the iceberg of the attempt to shape the mandatory curriculumbut it is also a half truth: The executive cannot prohibit the sale of certain securities. What you can do is remove them from required reading lists and the libraries of schools and institutes. Novels like ‘1984’ by George Orwell‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood or ‘The diary of Anne Frank“They’ve already started doing it.” remove from school shelves from some of the more conservative districts. Other forms of censorship include remove chapters from American historylike those referring to slaveryin response to a movement led by white parents who say such content they make their white children feel guilty.
Crusade against awakening
THE Trump’s crusade against education part of the war declared against what he calls the movement’woke up‘ (literally, ‘the awakened’ in English, in reference derogatory more to the social sector progressive), added to the belief that a budget cut and personal of the will of the public administration more efficient to the system. To that end, he recruited two billionaires, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new one Department for Government Effectiveness. But to close a department (the equivalent of a ministry in Spain) you will need Congress (which is aiming for a Republican victory but counting continues) and the Senate, where there is a Republican majority of 53 seats against 47 Democrats.
However, you will need a qualified majority of 60 out of 100 implement such a structural measure. The complicity of the Democrats it is unlikely; It’s even doubtful that all Republicans are in favor. So the question is: will they settle for “no” for an answer? Probably not. But there are other substantial reforms they could undertake on their own.
THE strategy from Trump here it is similar to that of abortion: He doesn’t say he wants to ban it, but that the decision they should be left in the hands of the statesWhich, Indeedimplies his prohibition in half the country. In the education sector, only 10% of the budget is managed at the federal level. Yet there are some 60 billion dollars per year awarded integration of students in a situation of poverty and with disability, and manages the value of student loans 1.6 trillion dollars. Abolishing the department would leave these programs on the air.
Slavery and anti-trans censorship
In the meantime, Trump will put in charge of this department that he wants to close Linda McMahon, former executive of the multi-million dollar wrestling company World Wrestling Entertainmentwho chairs a pro-Trump fundraising committee and has very little experience in education at the local level. Trump celebrated in a statement that McMahon will pursue two main objectives which he calls the parents’ right to “know” (relating to curriculum censorship) and the “universal school choice”, this would give all taxpayers the ability to do so divert your taxes intended for your district’s public school and address it instead, for example, aa religious schooleven in another part of the state.
“Getting boys out of girls’ sports” was another Trump campaign mantra, declaring the war on trans boys and girls, misrepresentation las legislation From inclusion approved by the Biden administration, which simply the declaration of civil rights was extended to explain the prohibition From discriminate for reasons of type in schools. This measure could be easily reversed by Trump.
It also looks like it will be the end of the program Biden TO condone THE debt of loans university students. In 2023, when the The Supreme Court forced Biden to stop this programTrump said it would be “very, very unfair for millions and millions of people who They paid their debt with hard work,” and it seems clear that he will repeal it regardless of whether the Department of Education continues to exist.
How can educators and parents effectively advocate for academic freedom in the face of educational policy changes?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Education Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. With recent announcements from the president-elect regarding the Department of Education, it seems we’re about to see significant changes in our educational landscape. Could you start by sharing your thoughts on Trump’s campaign promise to reshape the education system?
Education Policy Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s been a striking few weeks. Trump’s comments about the Department of Education, particularly his assertion that “officials working in the department ‘hate children’,” set a confrontational tone. His emphasis on “indoctrination” and the focus on revising educational materials to fit a more conservative narrative raises concerns about academic freedom and the integrity of our education system.
Time.news Editor: There seems to be a strong movement towards banning certain books and removing materials from curricula. Can you elaborate on what this means for students and educators?
Education Policy Expert: Absolutely. The push to remove classics like 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale from school libraries illustrates a wider attempt to censor diverse perspectives. This is about much more than just books; it’s a fundamental challenge to critical thinking and a well-rounded education. If certain books are deemed inappropriate, it limits students’ exposure to significant historical and social issues, which can ultimately impair their ability to engage as informed citizens.
Time.news Editor: Additionally, Trump has spoken about his plans for budget cuts and restructuring the Department of Education. What impact could these changes have?
Education Policy Expert: The implications could be substantial. Cutting funding and personnel may lead to a diminished capacity of schools to serve students, especially those in underserved communities. The federal government currently administers crucial programs that benefit low-income and disabled students, managing large sums of funding for integration and student loans. Disbanding the Department or significantly altering its focus could jeopardize these critical resources.
Time.news Editor: There are also hints of a broader cultural war with Trump’s remarks on ‘wokeness’ in education. How do you see this playing out in schools across the nation?
Education Policy Expert: The ideological framing of education as a battleground for cultural values is quite alarming. It isn’t just about curriculum content; it’s about shifting educational priorities to align with a more rigid, conservative viewpoint. This could lead to divisive policies that alienate students and parents who value diversity and inclusion. In effect, it may cultivate an environment where certain histories and perspectives are silenced, which could discourage critical discourse within classrooms.
Time.news Editor: And regarding the leadership changes within the Department, what are your thoughts on the appointment of Linda McMahon to spearhead these efforts?
Education Policy Expert: Appointing someone without a robust background in education, like Linda McMahon, raises a lot of eyebrows. This choice appears to prioritize political allegiance over educational expertise, which is troubling when discussing such vital issues. It suggests a lack of commitment to the educational needs of students and teachers alike. Effective educational leadership requires understanding the complexities of teaching and learning—something that extensive business or political experience may not provide.
Time.news Editor: So, what can concerned citizens and educators do to advocate for a balanced and inclusive education system in light of these changes?
Education Policy Expert: Advocacy is key. Citizens can engage through local school boards, participate in town hall meetings, and push for transparency in educational policy decisions. Supporting educational organizations that promote equity and inclusion is also critical. There needs to be a collective effort to defend against censorship and uphold the principles of diverse and democratic education, fostering spaces where all students can thrive.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the coming months will be pivotal as we navigate these changes. Let’s hope for a future where education remains a platform for exploration, understanding, and inclusion.
Education Policy Expert: Thank you. I share your hope, and it’s essential to keep these conversations alive as we move forward.