New Guidance on School Discipline Forthcoming
Trump signed an executive order titled "Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies," which requires McMahon within 30 days to issue new guidance to school districts and state departments of education on school discipline. McMahon emphasized that the order and forthcoming guidance would empower teachers by giving them the authority to discipline disruptive students in their classrooms. McMahon further stated that schools have been “forced to consider equity and inclusion when imposing discipline” and that students must learn to discern right and wrong from an early age. In six months, McMahon, along with other federal leaders, will submit a report to the president on “discriminatory-equity-ideology-based school discipline and behavior modification techniques in American public education” since 2009.

Inez “Annette” Albright, a former employee of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and a speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention, was a special guest at the signing ceremony. Albright, who previously worked as a substitute teacher, tutor, and behavioral modification technician, advocates for safer schools after an altercation with students in 2016. It’s worth noting that no public school in North Carolina has ever been designated as persistently dangerous.

Fostering Interest and Expertise in AI
Trump signed another executive order titled “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” Will Sharf, the White House Staff Secretary, explained that the order will ensure young Americans are adequately trained in AI tools, making them competitive in the economy as AI becomes an increasingly dominant force. The order establishes the White House Task Force on AI Education and the Presidential AI Challenge, which will promote student and educator achievements in AI. Other provisions include increasing participation in AI-related apprenticeships and establishing public-private partnerships to support K-12 AI education.

Higher Education and Workforce Development
Trump signed an executive order titled “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future.” This order emphasizes the importance of aligning federal investments in workforce development with the nation's reindustrialization needs. The policy aims to equip American workers with the skills required for the growing demand for skilled trades. McMahon highlighted the importance of supporting career-aligned programs such as apprenticeships and dual enrollment, noting that not every student needs to attend a four-year university. Within six months, a plan to reach 1 million new active apprentices must be submitted.

Continued Support for HBCUs
Trump signed an executive order titled “White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” to continue the administration’s efforts from the first term in elevating the value of HBCUs. The order establishes the White House Initiative on HBCUs and the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, with McMahon serving as one of the advisors. This initiative aims to continue supporting HBCUs, which serve as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity.

Overhauling the Higher Education Accreditation Process
Trump signed an executive order titled “Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education.” The order aims to address issues in the accreditation process, which has been criticized for favoring legacy institutions and allowing ideological influence. The U.S. Department of Education is tasked with evaluating and holding accreditors accountable for poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law. McMahon’s statement noted that this reform seeks to create a competitive marketplace for accreditors, focusing on merit and performance rather than ideological trends.

Colleges and Universities Must Disclose Foreign Funding
Trump signed an executive order titled “Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities.” This order enforces Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which requires institutions to report significant foreign funding sources. The administration emphasized that this order will end secrecy surrounding foreign funding to protect students, research, and the marketplace of ideas.

Eliminating the Use of Disparate Impact Theory
Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy.” This order eliminates the use of disparate impact theory, which can indirectly result in racial discrimination through the use of federal funds. The policy emphasizes equality under the law, meritocracy, and a colorblind society, advocating for equal opportunities without race- or sex-based favoritism. McMahon’s statement underscored the importance of fostering opportunity, achievement, and the American Dream through adherence to these principles.

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