Every week our newsroom monitors the news for the top stories in education from a variety of sources ranging from the mainstream media to blogs and other analysis, and compile them for you. Here’s the latest in education:
Judge blocks Department of Education, federal personnel office from sharing data with DOGE
In Maryland a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocks the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from sharing personal data with the Department of Government Efficiency. A judge ruled that the concealed information would likely violate the Privacy Act disclosing people’s information without their consent. The judge then goes on to state that the DOGE has access to Social Security numbers, income, home addresses, citizenship status and other sensitive information that poses a risk of harm. Additionally the Trump administration argues that limiting DOGE’s access to data could hinder efforts on reducing the size of the federal government.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Teachers and parents in the state of Oregon are looking to remove the cap on special education funding to put more resources into schools for these students with disabilities. Removing the cap, known as House Bill 2953, would help parents with special needs children get the help they need in a more timely manner and keep up with the increasing need for more services over time. In previous years, the cap on special education funding meant that students with disabilities and those without disabilities would have to share resources in the public school system. If House Bill 2953 passes, the removal of the funding cap would be a stress reliever for busy parents and also make lives easier for special education teachers during the workday and after-school activities. Currently, around 15% of students throughout the state are receiving special education services, and around 20,000 students are receiving inadequate resources for their needs.
The Real Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education
Time
President Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education threatens under-resourced schools, disproportionately affecting Black and low-income students. His administration promotes school vouchers, benefiting wealthier families while undermining public education. Cutting federal oversight risks worsening discrimination, segregation, and resource disparities. Title I funding, crucial for high-poverty schools, is also at risk. Without protections, racial and economic inequities will grow, harming future generations. To safeguard education equity, communities must resist these attacks and advocate for fully funded, inclusive schools.
Advice to California schools on Trump’s DEI crackdown: Do nothing — yet
CalMatters
Despite President Trump’s efforts to remove DEI programs from the education system, California education officials are advising their schools to keep DEI programs and make no changes to them. Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that DEI initiatives are legal and that schools have the right to keep them. With the uncertainty of DEI staying in education systems, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is encouraging schools to stay committed to their programs in hopes of being able to still support students during this time.
A Conservative Vision for Higher Education Reform
AEI
The U.S. higher education system faces accountability issues, with taxpayer funds supporting institutions that fail to deliver economic benefits to students. Current accountability measures, such as accreditation and student loan repayment rules, are inadequate. Reform should focus on ensuring colleges do no economic harm, implementing “gainful employment” regulations, and restricting aid to institutions that improve student financial outcomes. Student loan policies should be streamlined with income-based repayment and limits on graduate loans. Market-driven subsidies should align education funding with labor demands while addressing gaps. Legislative reform is necessary to ensure higher education benefits students and taxpayers efficiently.
Oklahoma Republicans clash over requiring schoolchildren to prove citizenship status
NBC News
A political fight over immigration policies is unfolding in Oklahoma, where Republican leaders are divided on enforcing Trump-era immigration measures in schools. The State Board of Education proposed requiring parents to provide proof of citizenship for school enrollment, but Governor Kevin Stitt, despite supporting Trump’s immigration stance, vowed to veto it. Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters argues the measure promotes transparency, while critics fear it could deter undocumented children from attending school. Similar proposals are emerging in other states, challenging a 1982 Supreme Court ruling that guarantees education regardless of immigration status, raising concerns among immigrant families and legal experts.
Federal antisemitism task force announces visit to University of Minnesota
KSTP.com (ABC 5)
A DOJ-created task force (formed in response to an executive order issued on Jan. 29th) assigned to combat antisemitism has announced that it will be visiting the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus), one of among ten universities it is launching investigations into. The force plans to meet with university leadership, students, and staff to investigate claims of antisemitism and discrimination. The university replied in a statement that it is confident in its approach to combating hatred and bias, that it stands against and will continue to stand against antisemitism, and that it will respond to reports of cruel treatment towards its Jewish students, or any other member of the university’s community. Nonetheless, it is also agreed in the statement that the university will be cooperative with the investigations. Other universities that the federal task force plans on investigating include Harvard, New York, and Columbia Universities, the lattermost of which has had its own recent troubles with antisemitic action on campus.
