Category: Education

Trump Threatens Deportation of Students Amid Protests Crackdown

President Donald Trump has escalated his authoritarian rhetoric by threatening federal funding for colleges that allow what he calls “illegal protests.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests,” targeting institutions which have hosted anti-war protests since the recent Hamas attacks on Israel.

This announcement accompanies a broader crackdown on academic freedom and dissent, positioning the Trump administration as increasingly intolerant of free speech on college campuses. Alongside his threats against universities, he stipulated that “agitators” may face imprisonment or deportation, while American students participating in such protests could be expelled or arrested, exacerbating an environment of fear and intimidation.

Trump’s remarks come in the wake of a new federal task force aimed at investigating antisemitism, which includes site visits to major universities like Harvard, Columbia, and NYU. These institutions have been scrutinized for hosting protests that endorse anti-war sentiments, further aligning with the Republican Party’s trend of targeting academic institutions and repressing dissent under the guise of national security.

Additionally, Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prosecute “antisemitic crimes” and investigate what he characterizes as “anti-Jewish racism” rampant in leftist colleges. This directive fosters an atmosphere where dissent is equated with criminality, significantly undermining the role of higher education as a forum for diverse viewpoints and critical thought.

Furthermore, the pressure on institutions like Columbia University, which risks losing over $51 million in federal contracts due to accusations of failing to protect Jewish students, exemplifies the problematic nature of his administration’s approach. Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted that universities have a responsibility to uphold non-discriminatory practices, a principle that is being weaponized against institutions exercising their right to free speech, ultimately pushing academic discourse towards authoritarianism.

(h/t: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-american-students-permanently-expelled-162037337.html)

Trump’s Plan to Abolish the Department of Education Threatens Access and Equity for Millions of Students

The White House is moving forward with plans for an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, a significant step that highlights the ongoing anti-education stance of Donald Trump and his Republican allies. This department, established in 1979, plays a crucial role in serving over 50 million students across more than 98,000 schools and administering essential financial aid to millions of higher education students. Trump’s efforts to abolish it come despite the overwhelming evidence of its necessity in promoting educational equity and access.

This executive order aligns with long-standing Republican goals to dismantle federal education programs. Trump made this pledge during his campaign, claiming that returning control to the states would somehow improve educational outcomes. However, this claim is misleading and ignores the reality that most states lack the resources and infrastructure to effectively support education without federal assistance. Critics, including Becky Pringle, head of the National Education Association, have warned that such a move would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, disrupt vital student services, and increase class sizes, directly undermining students’ rights and educational prospects.

Historical attempts by Republicans, dating back to Ronald Reagan, to eliminate the Department of Education have failed due to bipartisan opposition. Recently introduced bills in Congress by Republican representatives demonstrate ongoing efforts but face significant hurdles, especially in the Senate, where bipartisan cooperation would be necessary to override a filibuster. Trump’s current push for an executive order is a clear indication of his willingness to bypass legislative processes to impose his radical education agenda, which focuses on the privatization of public education and a drastic reduction in federal oversight.

Trump’s education policies also reflect a toxic mix of misinformation and extremism, such as targeting critical race theory and enforcing civil rights investigations that cater to fabricated grievances rather than addressing real issues within educational institutions. This agenda poses serious threats to diversity and inclusion in American schools, fostering a discriminatory environment that could deepen social divides.

The implications of abolishing the Department of Education extend beyond the federal bureaucracy. It represents a broader assault on the principles that safeguard fair and equitable education for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. As we witness increasing hostility towards educational institutions and the vital services they provide, it is crucial to advocate for the protection of public education against these regressive policies championed by Trump and his Republican affiliates.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/white-house-preparing-executive-order-abolish-department-education-rcna190205)

Trump Administration’s Assault on Education Threatens Civil Rights and Academic Freedom

The Trump administration is steering the United States toward a disturbing form of educational authoritarianism. The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued new interpretations of civil rights law that effectively redefine discrimination to include perceived biases against white individuals. This alarming shift was highlighted in a letter from the Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which imposes vague guidelines that threaten academic freedom and allow for the censorship of essential historical narratives, particularly regarding systemic racism in American history.

In the February 14 letter, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor accused educational institutions of “toxically indoctrinating” students by teaching them about systemic racism, which is a crucial aspect of U.S. history. The new directives create a hostile environment for educators who discuss Black or Indigenous histories and challenge students or faculty to rethink perceptions of racism and inequality within American society. The chilling effect of these guidelines cultivates a culture of fear where teachers may refrain from teaching no necessary historical context to avoid retribution.

Trump’s sweeping changes are not limited to individual interpretations of civil rights law. His administration has indicated intentions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education altogether, as part of a broader agenda to eliminate federal oversight in education. The endeavor includes proposed cuts to critical educational support for low-income students and special education programs—programs that provide vital resources to vulnerable communities across the nation.

Furthermore, the misguided pursuit of “patriotic education” echoes authoritarian regimes that stifle dissent and undermine educational integrity. The current administration’s targeting of institutions like Columbia University under the pretense of addressing antisemitism represents a troubling intersection of educational policy and perceived political alignment. By enforcing a narrow narrative around so-called “aka anti-racism,” the education department seeks to silence discussions that are vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of America’s complex social fabric.

The transformation of educational policy under Trump signals an impending crisis for civil rights and academic freedom in the U.S. If this trajectory continues, the implications will be disastrous for public education. Citizens, educators, and students must remain vigilant against these authoritarian measures disguised under the guise of civics and patriotism, which ultimately serve the interests of wealthy elites and undermine the foundational values of democracy.

(h/t: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/17/trump-us-path-educational-authoritarianism)

Trump’s Education Secretary Pick Linked to Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Linda McMahon, the education secretary pick by President Donald Trump, faces serious allegations in a recently filed sexual abuse lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that during her tenure at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), McMahon ignored credible reports of sexual abuse involving children at the hands of an employee, Melvin Phillips Jr., who was a ringside announcer and ring crew chief. The plaintiffs, five former ‘ring boys’ from the 1980s, accuse the McMahons of criminal negligence for allowing Phillips to remain at the company despite knowing of the abuse.

The lawsuit was filed in October in Maryland and includes accusations against both Linda and her husband, Vince McMahon, co-founders of the WWE. It highlights a disturbing culture that allegedly permitted the exploitation of vulnerable young boys while they were working for the organization. The claims are supported by a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, who stated that many within the company were aware of the abuse but failed to take action against it.

Despite the severe nature of these allegations, McMahon has not been personally accused of sexual misconduct. However, the lawsuit paints a grim picture of a wrestling empire that prioritized its success over the safety and well-being of its young employees. Critics of the Trump administration will likely view this nomination as indicative of a troubling disregard for accountability and ethical leadership.

As the case unfolds, the implications could extend beyond McMahon’s nomination, potentially impacting the Trump administration’s reputation. The legal proceedings may shine a light on systemic issues within powerful organizations and raise questions about the moral compass of those in leadership positions.

In the face of such serious allegations, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration will respond. The appointment of an education secretary linked to a lawsuit of this nature raises concerns about the values that are being promoted at the highest levels of government.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/21/us/linda-mcmahon-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-trump-education-secretary.html)

Trump Repeats QAnon-Based Lie Schools Are Performing Forced Gender Reassignment Surgery

Donald Trump, during a recent visit to the Bronx, displayed his alarming views on education and gender identity, claiming that schools should not allow transgender identities and asserting that children are being manipulated by schools into changing their gender without parental consent. His statements, which echo far-right conspiracy theories, are not only misleading but also indicative of a dangerous agenda that seeks to undermine LGBTQ+ rights and education.

In a segment aired on Fox News, Trump proposed drastic cuts to the federal Department of Education, suggesting it should operate with minimal staff dedicated solely to teaching English. This radical approach to education reflects a broader Republican strategy aimed at dismantling federal support for public schools, which could severely impact educational quality across the nation.

https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1848349656738066753

Furthermore, Trump’s comments about transgender students reveal an alarming ignorance about the realities faced by these individuals. There is no evidence to support his claim that schools are secretly conducting gender transition procedures without parental knowledge. Such assertions have been debunked and are rooted in the toxic narratives propagated by extremist groups.

Trump’s remarks align with the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that has gained traction among conservatives, particularly as they rally against perceived threats to traditional values. This rhetoric not only alienates vulnerable communities but also serves to distract from more pressing issues within public education, such as funding and resource allocation.

As the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial for voters to recognize the implications of Trump’s education policies and the broader Republican agenda that seeks to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. Supporting candidates who advocate for inclusive and equitable education is essential to ensuring the rights and dignity of all students.

(h/t: https://newrepublic.com/post/187360/trump-fix-schools-disturbing-answer)

Trump’s Dangerous Lies: Kids Aren’t Having Transgender Surgeries in Schools

Former President Donald Trump has once again propagated the false narrative that children are undergoing transgender surgeries during school hours. In a recent rally, he made misleading claims that schools are facilitating surgical procedures for minors without parental consent, a narrative that has no basis in fact. This rhetoric not only misrepresents the reality of transgender healthcare but also contributes to the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ youth.

Trump’s statements reflect a broader trend among Republicans to misinform the public about transgender issues, often using sensationalized claims to rally support among their base. Medical professionals and credible organizations have refuted these claims, clarifying that gender-affirming surgeries, when appropriate, are typically not performed on minors and require extensive evaluation and parental involvement.

The former president’s comments come in the wake of his administration’s previous attempts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, including a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and proposals that would allow healthcare providers to refuse treatment based on gender identity. This pattern showcases a consistent effort to marginalize transgender individuals and restrict their access to necessary medical care.

Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric has serious implications. By spreading misinformation about transgender youth, he further endangers an already vulnerable population, which faces higher rates of mental health issues and discrimination. His statements not only distort the truth but also contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

In conclusion, Trump’s repeated falsehoods about transgender surgeries in schools are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and incite fear. It is crucial to challenge these lies and promote accurate information about transgender healthcare and rights to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/trump-false-claims-schools-transgender-surgeries-rcna170217)

Offensive Emails Among Businessmen, Donald Trump Jr. Spark Fight in Hedge Fund Case – WSJ

Skip to Main Content Explore Our Brands WSJ Barron’s MarketWatch IBD Offensive Emails Among Businessmen, Donald Trump Jr. Spark Fight in Hedge Fund Case Share Resize Listen (2 min) Subscribe Sign In SubscribeSign In English Edition Edition English中文 (Chinese)日本語 (Japanese) Print Edition Video Audio Latest Headlines More MoreOther Products from WSJBuy Side from WSJWSJ ShopWSJ Wine Latest World Topics Africa Americas Asia China Europe Middle East India Oceania Russia U.K. More Science Archaeology Biology Environment Physics Space & Astronomy World Video Business Topics Airlines Autos C-Suite Deals Earnings Energy & Oil Entrepreneurship Telecom Retail Hospitality Logistics Media C-Suite CFO Journal CIO Journal CMO Today Logistics Report Risk & Compliance WSJ Professional WSJ Pro Bankruptcy WSJ Pro Central Banking WSJ Pro Cybersecurity WSJ Pro Private Equity WSJ Pro Sustainable Business WSJ Pro Venture Capital More Heard on the Street Journal Reports Business Video Business Podcast U.S. Topics Climate & Environment Education Law College Rankings 2024 More U.S. Video What’s News Podcast Politics Topics Elections National Security Policy More Politics Video Economy Topics Central Banking Consumers Housing Jobs Trade Global WSJ Professional WSJ Pro Bankruptcy WSJ Pro Central Banking WSJ Pro Private Equity WSJ Pro Venture Capital More Capital Account Economic Forecasting Survey Economy Video Tech Topics AI Biotech Cybersecurity Personal Technology More Christopher Mims Joanna Stern Julie Jargon Nicole Nguyen CIO Journal The Future of Everything Tech Video Tech Podcast Finance Topics Banking Commodities & Futures Currencies Investing Regulation Stocks More Heard on the Street Greg Ip Jason Zweig Laura Saunders James Mackintosh CFO Journal Markets Video Your Money Briefing Podcast Market Data Market Data Home Companies U.S. Stocks Commodities Bonds & Rates Currencies Market Data Mutual Funds & ETFs Opinion Columnists Gerard Baker Sadanand Dhume Allysia Finley James Freeman William A. 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Galston Daniel Henninger Holman W. Jenkins Andy Kessler William McGurn Walter Russell Mead Peggy Noonan Mary Anastasia O’Grady Jason Riley Joseph Sternberg Kimberley A. Strassel More Editorials Commentary Future View Houses of Worship Cross Country Letters to the Editor The Weekend Interview Potomac Watch Podcast Foreign Edition Podcast Free Expression Podcast Opinion Video Notable & Quotable Arts & Culture Topics Books Film Fine Art Food & Cooking History Music Television Theater Reviews Architecture Review Art Reviews Film Reviews Television Reviews Theater Reviews Masterpiece Series Music Reviews Dance Reviews Opera Reviews Exhibition Reviews Cultural Commentary More WSJ Puzzles What To Watch Arts Calendar Lifestyle Topics Careers Cars Fitness Relationships Travel Workplace More On Wine Work & Life Carry On On The Clock Elizabeth Bernstein Turning Points WSJ Puzzles Recipes Real Estate Topics Commercial Real Estate Luxury Homes Personal Finance Topics Retirement Savings Credit Taxes Mortgages More Jason Zweig Laura Saunders James Mackintosh Health Topics Healthcare Pharma Wellness More Your Health Style Topics Beauty Design Fashion More Off Brand On Trend My Monday Morning Sports Topics Baseball Basketball Football Golf Hockey Olympics Soccer Tennis More Jason Gay Offensive Emails Among Businessmen, Donald Trump Jr. Spark Fight in Hedge Fund Case Share Resize Listen (2 min) Trump’s Legal Woes 2020 Election CaseDocuments CaseGeorgia CaseInvestigation Timeline This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/offensive-emails-among-businessmen-donald-trump-jr-spark-fight-in-hedge-fund-case-f14fa05b U.S. Offensive Emails Among Businessmen, Donald Trump Jr. Spark Fight in Hedge Fund Case A judge will decide whether to release unredacted emails that included derogatory remarks about Jews and Mexicans By Corinne Ramey and James Fanelli Updated June 15, 2023 5:39 pm ET Share Resize Listen (2 min) Donald Trump Jr. at a rally held for his father in Ohio last year. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images The Texas financier Gentry Beach has made no secret of having close ties to Donald Trump Jr., serving as a groomsman at his wedding, fundraising for his father and once boasting to a former boss about his friendship with the former president’s eldest son. Now Beach is seeking to keep the Trump name out of a long and bitter court fight with his former hedge-fund employer, litigation that has spawned a side battle over whether a judge should allow full public access to offensive emails exchanged among a group that included the two men and others who worked at prominent real-estate and financial firms. Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 Continue reading your article with a WSJ subscription Subscribe Now Already a subscriber? 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What? Donald Trump Jr. sent highly offensive, antisemitic, and racist messages? You don’t say.

[https://www.wsj.com/articles/offensive-emails-among-businessmen-donald-trump-jr-spark-fight-in-hedge-fund-case-f14fa05b]

Trump pick for education board writes Illuminati self-help books

President Trump‘s pick for a federal education board authors self-help Illuminati books.

The Commission of Presidential Scholars awards high school seniors in the country annually, and its board is comprised of education experts like the 2019 National Teacher of the Year. Trump’s nominee to this board, George Mentz, was announced last week, The Denver Post reported. 

Mentz, a lawyer and online professor of wealth management at the Texas A&M University School of Law, has written books called “The Illuminati Secret Laws of Money,” “The Illuminati Handbook,” “50 Laws of Power of the Illuminati” and “100 Secrets and Habits of the Illuminati for Life Success.”

“If you conceive of your desire, you can then imagine that your goal will take place with belief, and then you will be able [to] retrieve the opportunity from the world’s storehouse of riches,” he wrote in his book “Spiritual Wealth Management.”

The nominee said he uses the word “Illuminati” in his books about money and wealth partly for marketing reasons.

“Just because I use the word Illuminati, don’t let that get you too excited,” Mentz told The Denver Post. “If you look the word up, it means ‘illumination.’ How to be more aware, conscious, a better person.”

Mentz has donated thousands of dollars to Trump’s campaign and political action committee, after supporting him for three decades, The Denver Post report said.

[The Hill]

Betsy DeVos Just Made It Harder for Defrauded Students to Get Their Debt Canceled

Just in time for the start of a new school year, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday finalized a new suite of changes to an Obama-era policythat targeted fraud at for-profit colleges. The new DeVos rule significantly raises the bar students have to clear in order to qualify for debt forgiveness when their schools close while they’re enrolled.

After state and federal investigations into fraud at some of the country’s biggest for-profit college operators caused the schools to shutter, thousands of students found themselves deep in debt for incomplete degrees. As my colleague Eddie Rios reported last year:

The Century Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, found in May that more than 127,000 debt relief claims were filed to the Education Department by March 2018, up 29 percent from August 2017….More than 98 percent of those claims came from students who attended for-profit colleges. 

The Obama program has cleared $222 million in loans from nearly 20,000 borrowers since 2016, according to the New York Times. But as a result of the new DeVos rule, after July 2020, students filing for debt relief will have to prove their colleges intentionally deceived them, that it influenced their decision to enroll, and that it made them financially suffer. The change also sets a three-year deadline for filing a claim; the Obama rule had no deadline and automatically relieved their debts if they didn’t enroll elsewhere within three years. 

Just in time for the start of a new school year, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday finalized a new suite of changes to an Obama-era policythat targeted fraud at for-profit colleges. The new DeVos rule significantly raises the bar students have to clear in order to qualify for debt forgiveness when their schools close while they’re enrolled.

After state and federal investigations into fraud at some of the country’s biggest for-profit college operators caused the schools to shutter, thousands of students found themselves deep in debt for incomplete degrees. As my colleague Eddie Rios reported last year:

The Century Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, found in May that more than 127,000 debt relief claims were filed to the Education Department by March 2018, up 29 percent from August 2017….More than 98 percent of those claims came from students who attended for-profit colleges. 

The Obama program has cleared $222 million in loans from nearly 20,000 borrowers since 2016, according to the New York Times. But as a result of the new DeVos rule, after July 2020, students filing for debt relief will have to prove their colleges intentionally deceived them, that it influenced their decision to enroll, and that it made them financially suffer. The change also sets a three-year deadline for filing a claim; the Obama rule had no deadline and automatically relieved their debts if they didn’t enroll elsewhere within three years. 

The Trump administration has repeatedly tried to delay rules for for-profit colleges and student loan forgiveness. Last year, a federal court called the delay “arbitrary and capricious,” ordering DeVos to implement the Obama-era rule. Student and consumer advocates plan to legally challenge DeVos’ latest replacement, as well. 

Student loans and Devos’ unpopular run as secretary of education have become a centerpiece of Democratic presidential politics. The 2020 field quickly condemned DeVos over the weekend.

[Mother Jones]

Betsy DeVos’ answer to school shooters is to mandate more unfair discipline for minorities

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will be rolling back protections against unfair discipline for minority students, instead of pursuing gun control, The New York Times reported Monday.

“The Trump administration is planning to roll back Obama-era policies aimed at ensuring that minority children are not unfairly disciplined, arguing that the efforts have eased up on punishment and contributed to rising violence in the nation’s schools,” The Timesexplained.

In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, Trump had a “brief flirtation with gun control” before rejecting that approach and starting a school safety commission.

The commission was lead by DeVos and included former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar II and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen.

“Almost immediately, the commission turned away from guns, and instead scrutinized the Obama administration’s school discipline policies, though none of the most high-profile school shootings were perpetrated by black students,” The Times noted. “The documents obtained by The Times — a draft letter and a draft chapter of the safety commission’s research — focus significantly on race and promote the idea that the federal crackdown on potentially discriminatory practices has made schools more dangerous.”

Six documents included in the Obama administration’s “Rethink Discipline” approach are expected to be rescinded on Tuesday.

“The Obama administration policies were adopted after strong evidence emerged that minority students were receiving more suspensions and tougher punishments than white students for the same or lesser offenses, while disabled students were too quickly being shunted into remedial or special-education programs,” The Times added.

[Raw Story]

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