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Two federal judges have restricted the Trump administration's enforcement of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directives aimed at schools and colleges. The rulings, from judges in Maryland and New Hampshire, were prompted by lawsuits from the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, among others. They argue that the department overstepped its authority with the directives, noting also that the restrictions curb academic freedom. Judge Stephanie Gallagher said: “The government cannot proclaim entire categories of classroom content discriminatory to sidestep the bounds of its statutory authority,” highlighting the administration's procedural missteps. Judge Landya McCafferty noted that the vagueness of the directives could lead schools to eliminate DEI programs to avoid penalties. The Education Department's perceived lack of clarity on what constitutes impermissible DEI practices has raised concerns among educators. The unions hailed the rulings as a victory for educational freedom and equity. The case will now proceed as the court considers whether to permanently block the Department’s directive.  

 

Politico

Education Week News

NEA

New York Times

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Texas lawmakers have approved SB 2, a significant $1bn education bill that allows families to utilize public funds for private school tuition. This legislation, which has garnered support from President Donald Trump, is seen as a major win for school voucher advocates. Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law promptly. The program aims to assist up to 90,000 students in its first year, with potential growth to nearly $4.5bn annually by 2030. Supporters argue that the vouchers will enable parents to move their children from underperforming public schools, while critics contend that it will undermine public education by diverting essential resources. As Abbott noted, “the push in Texas had failed in the face of stiff resistance,” but this new measure marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over educational choice.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Texas Tribune

The Chicago Public Schools board has unanimously established a new district committee focused on enhancing the academic experiences and outcomes for Black students. This initiative is a result of a 2024 Illinois law that facilitates the transition to an elected school board. Valerie Leonard, a community leader involved in the Black Student Success Plan, expressed her support for the committee's formation, adding: “We need to enhance accountability and clearly communicate strategies, metrics, and progress.” The committee's goal is to address disparities affecting Black students, who represent about one-third of the district's enrollment. However, the initiative faces scrutiny amid federal challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

 

Chicago Sun Times

Chalkbeat

Indiana's Senate Bill 287, which allows school board candidates to declare a party affiliation, is headed to Governor Mike Braun for approval. This change comes after years of attempts to introduce partisanship in school board elections, which have traditionally been nonpartisan. Supporters argue that this will provide voters with clearer insights into candidates' values, while opponents worry it may detract from the board's primary responsibilities. The bill also includes provisions for raises for school board members, capped at 10% of the lowest starting teacher salary, currently set at $2,000. If signed, the bill will take effect in July, although no school board elections are scheduled for this year.

 

Indiana Capital Chronicle

Chalkbeat

At Fremont High School in Oakland, students utilize restorative justice circles to foster inclusivity and understanding among diverse groups. However, the Trump administration's recent executive order challenges the concept of disparate impact in school discipline, labeling it a threat to student safety. U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized previous policies for prioritizing racial equity over safety, commenting: “Their policies placed racial equity quotas over student safety.” While California has made strides in reducing suspensions, disparities remain, particularly affecting Black students. Experts like Daniel Losen argue that the executive order promotes fear and discourages addressing inequities, emphasizing that disparities should trigger investigations into potential discrimination. The order may not have immediate legal consequences, but it signals a shift in how discipline policies may be enforced in the future.

 

EdSource

The Iowa City Community School District will offer full-day preschool at all 20 elementary schools starting this fall. This initiative includes free, half-day preschool options and aims to support at-risk students through the Shared Visions Preschool program. Eliza Proctor, executive director of elementary schools, noted that full-day preschool at Horn Elementary is funded by a private donor. The district piloted the program last year, enrolling 110 students, with 40 attending on a tuition basis. Full-day preschool has shown promising results, with 99% of children meeting or exceeding growth goals in social-emotional development. The district plans to monitor the impact of full-day preschool on kindergarten readiness during the 2025-26 school year. Enrollment is open for families with children turning four by September 15.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

Three Michigan school districts are using $75m in state grant funds to close and consolidate school buildings, a move state officials said will help chip away at $23bn in statewide school infrastructure needs. The Michigan Department of Education has awarded consolidation grants to Flint Community Schools, North Central Area Schools, and Union City Community Schools. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Rice said the consolidation grants will be "transformative" for the three local school districts by helping to modernize school buildings, reduce square footage, and better meet the needs of their students and staffs. Michigan's first school facilities study, carried out by the nonprofit School Finance Research Foundation, found that the district's K-12 school buildings need $22.8bn in repairs, renovations, or replacement. 

 

The Detroit News

Students at the Academy at Palumbo High School in South Philadelphia are raising concerns about their school's deteriorating conditions. They documented issues such as "grimy" bathrooms, poor ventilation, and rodent sightings. A survey revealed that over 77% of 200 students reported maintenance problems, with nearly 68% rating bathroom conditions poorly. Senior Kimora Kelly expressed her frustration, stating it makes her “miserable” to see inadequate funding for their school. The students plan to present their findings to the district and school board, emphasizing the need for better facilities. They believe that without improvements, the current conditions will negatively impact their learning and enrollment. As student Emily Alava noted, “the effort isn't put there to make us enjoy being in school.”

 

Chalkbeat

As Gen Z graduates high school, many are opting out of traditional college due to rising costs. The annual expense for a four-year public college surged by 30% from 2011 to 2023, while private colleges saw a 42% increase. Nich Tremper, a senior economist at Gusto, notes, “There are about 2m fewer students in a traditional four-year university now than in 2011.” Instead, young adults are pursuing skilled trades, with 18% of the workforce in this sector being Gen Z. For instance, Morgan Bradbury, who completed a welding certification, secured a job at BAE Systems with a starting salary of $57,000. Despite higher wages for college graduates, Tremper highlights that “job security has been stronger in the trades than in many traditional white-collar jobs.” With Baby Boomers retiring, opportunities in skilled trades are expected to grow, allowing Gen Z to thrive economically.

 

CNBC

In a tragic incident in Nantes, France, a 15-year-old high school student was killed and three others injured during a stabbing at the Notre-Dame de Toutes-Aides grammar school. According to a police spokesperson, there is "no indication of a terrorist motive." The student was subdued by teachers before police arrived on the scene. A youth is now in custody. President Emmanuel Macron said: "Through their intervention, teachers likely prevented other tragedies. Their courage demands respect." Prime Minister Francois Bayrou urged "an intensification of controls in and around schools" following the attack. He called for a response to the "endemic violence" among some youths and demanded proposals to prevent further knife attacks. Bayrou also said that secure gates at all schools was a possibility. 

 

France 24

New York Times

US News and World Report