Education Policy Shift
On August 24, 2026, Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden to announce a significant shift in education policy. The administration plans to reduce federal oversight and enhance parental control over education. This move aims to redirect funds from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs directly to classrooms. States will receive waivers to ease the bypassing of federal bureaucracy.
Proposed Federal Regulations
In another development, the Trump administration proposed new rules on Thursday to potentially revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools and colleges. This applies if these institutions consider race in admissions, scholarships, or other programs. This proposal marks an effort to eliminate diversity initiatives that officials argue disadvantage white students.
“Schools rebranding race-based preferences as equitable, inclusive, or diversity-enhancing does not change their discriminatory nature,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The proposal follows a Supreme Court decision in 2023 that banned most race-based admissions policies. The Treasury Department and IRS crafted these rules which would affect admissions, scholarships, loans, athletics, and other school programs. Approximately 18,000 schools and 750,000 students might be impacted.
Impact on Religious and Disadvantaged Schools
Religious schools will retain the ability to select students based on religious criteria. The regulations will not prevent schools from assisting disadvantaged students via race-neutral methods such as income or geography.
Expected Reactions and Legal Challenges
The proposal allows for a public comment period and is expected to face legal challenges. The American Association of University Professors has indicated potential legal action, arguing the regulations misuse civil rights laws against those they are supposed to protect.
This is not neutral enforcement of civil rights law. It is an attempt to use the law against its intended beneficiaries.
Todd Wolfson, AAUP President, expressed concern over the proposal’s implications.
Continued Efforts Against DEI Policies
Since taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration has consistently targeted DEI policies in education. This includes scrutinizing race-based admissions and alleged antisemitism, with actions focused on institutions such as Harvard University.
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