President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Wednesday, fulfilling promises made during his campaign. The first order focuses on school choice and ending funding for schools promoting what the White House calls 'radical indoctrination.' This move is seen as a win for conservative activists advocating for easier access to private education using taxpayer funds.
The order involves multiple agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, and Health and Human Services, to provide guidance on using federal funds to support scholarship programs and school choice initiatives.
While some red states have already implemented school choice policies, public school advocates and teachers' unions are concerned about redirecting taxpayer dollars from public schools to private institutions, potentially harming poorer public schools and increasing education inequity.
Another executive order signed by Trump aims to protect parental rights and end discrimination in K-12 education. The order calls for enforcing laws against illegal and discriminatory treatment in schools, including gender and equity ideologies.
Additionally, Trump called for canceling student visas for 'Hamas sympathizers' on college campuses and directed government agencies to combat antisemitism, particularly on campuses, within 60 days.
These actions come amidst ongoing debates about the impact of school choice policies and efforts to address discrimination in educational settings. The orders reflect Trump's continued focus on education reform and national security concerns.
The Republican National Convention's 2024 platform also pledged to address campus safety and patriotism, raising questions about the future for international students in the U.S.
