Changes to College Accreditation

Among the most significant of these orders is the revision of the college accreditation process, which is critical for institutions seeking federal funding. Accreditation ensures that colleges and universities provide a quality education, a prerequisite for students to access federal loans and grants.

The executive order criticizes current accreditors for allegedly focusing on “discriminatory ideology.” According to the accompanying White House fact sheet, it empowers the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to suspend or revoke an accreditor’s federal recognition if they fail to comply with federal civil rights laws.

“Requiring institutions seeking accreditation to engage in unlawful discrimination…would constitute a violation of federal civil rights law,” stated the executive order.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) described this action as an attempt to dictate educational content, arguing that it could undermine academic freedom and teaching practices.

Andrew Gillen from the Cato Institute noted the potential repercussions of this policy, stating, “If you lose Pell grants and lose student loans, for most colleges that means you’re done,” emphasizing the existential threat posed by these changes.

Impact on K-12 Education

Trump’s orders also target K-12 education, aiming to reverse guidelines that mandated racial equity considerations in student discipline practices. These reversals have raised concerns among education professionals about their implications for minority students.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, criticized these moves, stating that they represent a departure from the stated goal of diminishing federal influence over education. “The Trump administration really does want to be in the business of education after all,” she remarked, emphasizing the selective nature of their support.

“We need a commonsense approach and to give teachers authority, but this fails to create a safe and welcoming environment,” Weingarten added.

Artificial Intelligence Initiatives

Another directive seeks to incorporate artificial intelligence technology into education, underscoring the need to prepare students for future workforce demands. Critics, however, argue that this initiative lacks sufficient safeguards to protect students from unaccountable tech companies.

Other Executive Actions

Apart from focusing on accreditation and K-12 education, Trump also signed orders aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and modernizing workforce programs. The latter includes efforts to strengthen apprenticeship initiatives to prepare students for desirable trade jobs.