In a sweeping series of executive orders (EO) issued on April 23, 2025, President Trump directed the federal government to take action on a series of education policy initiatives.
Each of the seven EOs addresses a distinct facet of K-12 and higher education.
- Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth
- Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future
- Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
- Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies
- Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy
- Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities
- White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Below are summaries with links to the full EOs as published. Watch the signing ceremony here.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth
Summary: This order creates a White House Task Force on AI Education, initiates a national AI competition, and prioritizes public-private partnerships to integrate AI literacy into K–12 and workforce programs. It also encourages educator training and the creation of AI-focused apprenticeships.
K–12 Implications:
- Schools could seek out federally endorsed AI instructional resources if they become available.
- Districts may benefit from future grant opportunities tied to AI education; monitor Department of Education announcements.
- Encourage professional development in AI for STEM teachers—especially through partnerships with universities and nonprofits.
Higher Ed Implications:
- Once action is taken, colleges could consider creating or expanding programs in AI and aligning them with registered apprenticeships and dual enrollment programs.
- Partnerships with the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Labor could fund AI certifications and work-based learning programs.
Action Items:
- K–12: Prepare to integrate AI literacy modules and identify teacher training opportunities.
- Higher Ed: Audit existing AI courses for alignment with emerging federal standards and funding streams.
Read the full text here.
Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future
Summary: Aims to streamline federal workforce programs and expand registered apprenticeships. Calls for a comprehensive review of current programs to identify inefficiencies and promote industry-aligned credentials.
K–12 Implications:
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs may receive additional support—especially those aligned with high-growth trades.
- Schools should track forthcoming changes to Perkins V funding and explore ways to link students with apprenticeship pipelines.
Higher Ed Implications:
- Community colleges and trade schools are encouraged to strengthen ties with industry and align programs to in-demand skills, including AI-related trades.
- Expect increased scrutiny on program performance and job placement outcomes tied to federal funds.
Action Items:
- K–12: Audit trade-focused electives for alignment with anticipated apprenticeship expansion.
- Higher Ed: Prepare to report more granular job placement and wage outcomes; enhance industry partnerships.
Read the full text here.
Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
Summary: Targets accreditation bodies accused of enforcing “DEI-based mandates.” Proposes recognizing new accreditors and transfer of accreditation.
Higher Ed Implications (Primary Audience):
- Institutions may need to revise accreditation strategies.
- Increased risk of scrutiny if accreditation practices appear to rely on demographic data as compliance benchmarks.
- Law and medical schools are especially affected by the focus on alleged unlawful DEI-based accreditation standards.
Action Items:
- Conduct a legal and operational review of accreditation criteria.
- Prepare for potential re-recognition processes or pressure to switch accreditors.
- Shift reporting frameworks to highlight academic and career outcomes.
Read the full text here.
Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies
Summary: Reverses Obama-era and Biden-era guidance on disparate impact in school discipline.
K–12 Implications:
- Schools are advised to evaluate the suspension of any use of racial disparity data in discipline policy evaluation.
- New federal guidance will be forthcoming.
Action Items:
- Review and revise local discipline policies to ensure they are race-neutral and focused on individual conduct.
- Cease use of “equity-based” behavior modification systems that could be interpreted as race-conscious under Title VI.
Read the full text here.
Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy
Summary: This order directs the federal government to end the use of disparate-impact liability as a basis for civil rights enforcement. It calls for repealing related federal regulations and instructs agencies to deprioritize enforcement of policies that purportedly impose outcome-based liability without proof of discriminatory intent.
K–12 Implications:
- Districts should anticipate a rollback of federal civil rights investigations based on statistical disparities alone (e.g., test scores, suspension rates).
- Equity-focused policies may now be subject to challenge if they rely on disparate-impact.
Higher Ed Implications:
- Colleges should reassess admissions policies that factor in group-based outcome targets.
- Policies requiring racial or gender balancing—even if facially neutral—may invite scrutiny or require adjustment.
Action Items:
- K–12: Consider reframing student success initiatives to avoid reliance on group outcome metrics as compliance benchmarks.
- Higher Ed: Conduct legal reviews of any policies tied to affirmative action, DEI or group-based support programs.
Read the full text here.
Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities
Summary: Enforces Section 117 of the Higher Education Act by ramping up disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts. The Department of Education and Department of Justice are directed to audit institutions and withhold federal funds from non-compliant universities.
Higher Ed Implications (Primary Audience):
- Any institution receiving federal funds must fully disclose foreign contributions—including the source, purpose, and amount.
- This includes gifts from foreign individuals, governments, or corporations and applies even to pass-through or indirect contributions.
Action Items:
- Immediately audit all foreign gift records going back several years to ensure compliance.
- Prepare for new reporting protocols and potential federal audits.
- Establish an internal policy for vetting and disclosing foreign partnerships.
Read the full text here.
White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Summary: Re-establishes and expands a White House initiative to elevate the role of HBCUs in education and economic development. The order emphasizes institutional planning, infrastructure upgrades, and public-private partnerships while revoking Biden-era guidance on equity.
Higher Ed Implications (HBCUs and Affiliates):
- Encourages HBCUs to compete for expanded federal partnerships and private-sector support.
- Agencies must coordinate with the White House Initiative to boost HBCUs’ access to federal grants and workforce pipelines.
Action Items:
- HBCUs should actively engage with the newly reestablished White House Initiative to pursue partnership and funding opportunities.
- Review alignment with the HBCU PARTNERS Act and prepare to demonstrate workforce readiness and tech capacity.
Read the full text here.
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