Executive Order
Issued on April 26, 2017
Policy Summary
In accordance with a new executive order, Betsy DeVos will be conducting a study into whether or not the federal government has “overstepped” its oversight of K-12 schools. The order was framed by Donald Trump as a part of a broader move to bring power over the education system back to the states and local communities. DeVos has 300 days to conduct the review into the lawfulness of guidance and regulations surrounding the school system. The order does not give DeVos any more authority than she previously possessed. LEARN MORE
Analysis
As the Obama era Department of Ed. allocated a large amount of resources towards civil rights in schools, the push for a lesser federal role in education presented within this executive order leaves many fearing that protections for vulnerable students will unravel. Calling Trump’s order “dangerous and wrongheaded,” Wade Henderson, president and chief executive of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, stated that schooling without federal oversight has never worked for all children and will not work now. A number of people also find the order to be silly and pointless; a purely symbolic gesture for Trump to appear to have made accomplished things to finish out his first 100 days. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Nation Education Association- The NEA with its 3 million members from every level of education, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. The NEA seeks to fulfill the promise of public education that prepares every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world
- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights – This is a coalition with a diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations aimed at promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States.
- ACLU – Learn more about the civil rights of students with the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU offers an online guide detailing the ins and outs of the educational equality rights of children in our nation’s schools.
This brief was compiled by Cindy Stansbury. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact, cindy@usresistnews.org.
