As the Trump administration moves forward with its education agenda, the American education system stands at a pivotal moment. Proposals ranging from budget cuts to ideological shifts have the potential to drastically reshape public education, sparking increasing resistance. A recent briefing hosted by EMS brought together experts to analyze the administration’s plans and assess their likely impact on the future of American education.
The panel featured leading figures in education and civil rights, including Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education; Thomas Toch, Director of FutureEd at Georgetown University; and Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF. Together, they addressed the uncertain path ahead, exploring both the challenges and opportunities presented by the administration’s education policy.
“Get Ready to Rumble”
The discussion began with Dean Pedro Noguera, who set the tone with a mixture of caution and realism. “No one knows what’s next,” he admitted, acknowledging the unpredictability of the political landscape. But he quickly framed the situation with a stark metaphor: “Given what Trump has said he wants to do and who he’s appointed, my short answer is: get ready to rumble.”
Noguera’s remark reflected the high stakes at play. The potential dismantling of the Department of Education (DOE)—a central promise of Trump’s campaign—has ignited a fierce debate. While the administration frames this as a move to reduce bureaucracy, critics argue it could put critical programs like Title I funding for low-income K-12 schools and Pell Grants for college students in jeopardy.
“These programs are lifelines for millions of Americans,” Noguera emphasized. “While the administration has not explicitly targeted them, eliminating the DOE could create oversight gaps that might undermine their future.”
Interestingly, resistance may not come solely from Democrats. Rural Republican lawmakers, whose constituents rely heavily on federal education funding, might also object to such sweeping changes. “Without a clear plan, even Congress might hesitate,” Noguera pointed out.
The Culture Wars in Education
The administration’s ideological priorities are also set to have a profound impact on education. Trump’s team has signaled its intent to engage in culture wars, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and public school curricula.
The panel noted that the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights could be repurposed to weaken protections for marginalized groups while prioritizing the rights of white students. Schools implementing inclusive curricula could face threats to their federal funding.
“Trump’s focus isn’t on fixing education—it’s on using it as a battleground for his culture wars,” Noguera observed.
The push for school vouchers—long championed by conservatives—could also face significant challenges. While proponents argue that vouchers empower parents, critics point to evidence suggesting they siphon funds from public schools, often benefiting affluent families at the expense of lower-income students.
“Even in conservative states like Kentucky and Nebraska, voucher initiatives have been overwhelmingly rejected by voters,” Noguera noted. “The public doesn’t want this.”
Higher Education at Risk
Colleges and universities are not immune to the shifting political winds. Experts warn that restrictive immigration policies could deter international students, depriving institutions of a crucial revenue source. Coupled with declining domestic enrollment and rising tuition costs, many colleges face existential threats.
“Higher education is already at a breaking point,” said Thomas Toch. “If these trends continue, we could see widespread closures, especially among smaller colleges.”
The administration’s attacks on DEI programs could further alienate students and faculty, exacerbating both financial and reputational difficulties for institutions.
A State of Crisis, A Call for Reform
Amid the political maneuvering, the panelists emphasized the real, urgent challenges facing American education: pandemic-driven learning loss, particularly in math; lagging literacy rates compared to international peers; and a lack of basic scientific and civic knowledge among students.
“Our schools are struggling with enormous achievement gaps,” Noguera stated. “Instead of addressing these needs, the administration is focused on political theater.”
California, with its progressive policies and strong educational framework, could emerge as a counterbalance to federal initiatives. However, even the Golden State is not immune to the ripple effects of national policy changes.
A Historical Perspective
As the discussion came to a close, Noguera drew a historical parallel, recalling President Ronald Reagan’s first term, when overreach by the administration led to significant pushback.
“Trump is acting as if he has a mandate, but this was a close election,” Noguera reminded the audience. “When politicians overestimate their power, they often make costly mistakes.”
The panel’s message was clear: The stakes are high, and the future is uncertain. However, history has shown that resistance—from voters, lawmakers, and advocacy groups—can reshape even the most ambitious agendas.
For now, America’s educators, parents, and students must watch closely, prepare for the challenges ahead, and remain steadfast in defending the future of public education.
Thomas Toch on the Crisis of Priorities
Thomas Toch, Director of FutureEd at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, a former journalist-turned-scholar, brought a unique perspective to the conversation. He blended academic insight with a reporter’s knack for uncovering the human story, offering a sharp critique of the administration’s education policy trajectory.
“Education is not the highest priority for the incoming president,” Toch stated bluntly, emphasizing that the administration’s lack of focus on improving public schools—particularly those that serve the nation’s most vulnerable students—was deeply concerning. “It’s hard to fathom a focus on everything but the quality of the nation’s schools.”
Toch also noted that the administration’s plan to tax endowments at elite universities, targeting the perceived liberal leanings of wealthy institutions, was misguided.
“It’s ironic,” Toch said. “They’re going after a small number of schools with large endowments while ignoring the fact that most institutions have little to no financial cushion.”
For-Profit Colleges and Deregulation
More troubling, Toch warned, was the likely deregulation of the for-profit higher education sector. “We’ve seen this before,” he said, referring to Trump’s first term, during which protections for students defrauded by for-profit colleges were rolled back.
“Trump himself was involved with Trump University,” Toch reminded the audience. “It was a venture shut down for fraudulent practices. Yet now, we see the same administration poised to water down protections again.”
Toch also raised concerns that reductions in federal student aid, including Pell Grants and work-study programs, would disproportionately affect underserved students, further limiting access to higher education.
K-12: Battleground for Choice and Culture Wars
Turning to K-12 education, Toch discussed the administration’s likely push for a federal voucher program—a long-standing conservative goal that would redirect public funds to private schools, potentially undermining public education.
“Despite defeats in red states like Kentucky and Nebraska, there’s mounting pressure from state-level policymakers and national Republicans,” Toch explained. “It’s a fight that rural Republicans, whose communities rely on public schools, may ultimately decide.”
The administration’s focus on cultural issues also posed a threat to educational progress. Toch outlined the potential narrowing of Title IX protections, particularly for transgender students, and a broader assault on DEI initiatives.
“These culture war battles risk overshadowing the real issue: our students are struggling academically,” Toch said, citing alarming statistics showing that 54% of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level.
The Importance of Federal Leadership
Throughout his remarks, Toch emphasized the crucial role of federal leadership in education. While the U.S. Constitution leaves education largely to the states, Toch argued that federal oversight and funding are essential for ensuring equity and fostering innovation.
“Federal leadership isn’t just about money,” Toch said. “It’s about setting a tone, providing a vision, and addressing systemic inequities. Without it, the most vulnerable students are left to fend for themselves.”
A Call to Journalists and Advocates
As a former journalist, Toch concluded with a direct appeal to the media: “The most important way to cover this administration is through the lens of what’s best for students. Keep asking: How do we improve opportunities for those least well served?”
His final words were both a challenge and a plea: to remain focused on the core issue—ensuring that the nation’s students are not collateral damage in an ideological battle.
Thomas A. Saenz on Civil Rights and Education
Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF, offered an insightful analysis of the civil rights challenges posed by the Trump administration. He addressed concerns around immigration enforcement, public education, and civil rights protections, emphasizing the difference between political rhetoric and legal realities.
Saenz warned that much of the rhetoric surrounding immigration and education under the Trump administration was designed to incite fear, particularly through inflated claims about the administration’s enforcement capacity.
On the issue of education, Saenz reassured the audience that the landmark 1982 Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees every child in the U.S. the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status, remains secure. He also highlighted the complex legal barriers to dismantling programs like DACA, noting the ongoing litigation efforts to protect such programs.
In closing, Saenz cautioned against fear-driven narratives, reminding the audience of the resilience of legal protections and the importance of vigilance in defending civil rights. He called on educators, policymakers, and advocates to stand firm against unwarranted threats and to uphold the principles of justice and equality.
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