Key Changes in Education Policy
Education Secretary Linda McMahon, alongside President Donald Trump, announced a significant shift in education policy. This announcement took place in the White House’s Rose Garden on Monday, August 24, 2026. The focus is on reducing federal involvement in education and increasing parental control.
The administration plans to redirect substantial funding from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs directly to classrooms. States will receive waivers to bypass federal regulations, enhancing local control over education.
New Rules Affecting Private Schools
On Thursday, the Trump administration introduced new regulations targeting private schools and colleges. These propose revoking tax-exempt status if institutions consider race in admissions or scholarships. The initiative aims to address what officials deem discriminatory practices.
This move follows the 2023 Supreme Court decision, Students for Fair Admissions, which limited race-conscious admissions policies at higher education institutions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that renaming race-based preferences does not alter their discriminatory character.
Impact of the New Regulations
The proposed regulations could affect up to 18,000 educational institutions across various levels and impact approximately 750,000 students eligible for race-based scholarships. These rules would apply to any school-administered program considering race, covering areas such as admissions, educational policies, scholarships, and athletics.
Religious schools are exempted, as they can maintain their religious affiliations in student selection. However, the rules do permit efforts to support disadvantaged students through race-neutral factors like income or geographic location.
Public Response and Legal Challenges
The proposal is open to public comment and could face legal disputes upon adoption. The American Association of University Professors, an advocate for academic freedom, has expressed opposition and is contemplating legal action.
According to AAUP President Todd Wolfson, the regulations conflict with civil rights laws designed to dismantle racial exclusion. The shift marks a substantial change in federal policy.
Administration’s Broader Educational Goals
Since President Trump’s return to office in January 2025, there has been a focused effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within education. These measures are part of a broader agenda targeting issues such as race-based admissions.
Harvard University has been a particular focus, facing federal investigations and threats to its tax-exempt status over related issues.