Trump tightens education oversight with new federal mandates
President Donald Trump has introduced new regulations regarding the accreditation of higher education institutions in the United States. The executive order signed by him is crucial for educational institutions seeking federal support, such as student loans and Pell Grants.
According to information provided by CNN, the new regulations require the Secretary of Education to hold accrediting bodies accountable for "poor performance" or violations of civil rights laws.
Importantly, federal authorities will gain the ability to deny accreditation, monitor, suspend, or terminate agreements with institutions that do not meet established standards. These changes could significantly impact the way institutions access federal funds. This signals a more assertive role of the administration in overseeing accreditation, which had previously enjoyed a certain level of autonomy.
The order also imposes on the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education the obligation to investigate and counteract unlawful discrimination at universities, including in law and medical schools. These actions align with the administration's efforts to limit the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Investments in artificial intelligence
President Trump has also signed orders related to education in artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at preparing young people to function in an economy shaped by AI.
"That’s a big deal. We have literally trillions of dollars being invested in AI" the president stated during the signing of the document.
Another executive order obligates federal agencies to enforce regulations on the disclosure of large foreign donations by colleges. Officials noted that these regulations were often poorly enforced, which could lead to uncontrolled foreign influence.
Trump also issued an order concerning Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), aiming to repair and redefine the administration's relationship with these institutions.
All the aforementioned changes were introduced following the freezing of approximately $2 (€1.8) billion in federal funding for Harvard University, which caused tensions between the government and elite academic institutions.
