Trump’s Executive Order Undermines College Accreditation and Equity in Education
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order directly attacks the college accreditation process, further consolidating his control over America’s higher education. This order targets the process by which federal funds—crucial for many colleges and universities—are allocated, threatening to undermine institutions that do not align with his administration’s narrow definitions of merit and compliance.
The directive instructs the Secretary of Education to hold college accreditors accountable for any perceived failures, potentially resulting in severe penalties including denial of accreditations. This move also empowers the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education to investigate and eliminate discrimination within higher education, particularly focusing on law and medical schools, yet disguises a broader agenda to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized a vision of universities as meritocracies, reinforcing Trump’s long-standing critique of affirmative action and diverse hiring practices. This focus on meritocracy is part of a coordinated effort led by Stephen Miller and Trump’s Domestic Policy Council to reshape educational policies in line with Republican ideals that frequently overlook systemic inequalities.
In tandem with this executive order, Trump continues to face backlash for a recent funding freeze on Harvard University, marking a significant clash over academic freedom and federal oversight in institutions of learning. Additionally, Trump set forth measures aimed at ensuring that educational institutions prepare students in artificial intelligence, further illustrating his administration’s attempts to steer higher education toward specific economic goals.
While Trump also announced the establishment of an initiative aimed at historically Black colleges and universities, this comes in the context of a troubled history regarding funding these institutions during his tenure. Overall, these actions reveal a calculated strategy to reshape American education to fit an exclusionary vision, significantly harming the democratic foundations of accessibility and equity in higher learning.