Battles over the Department of Education, immigration and artificial intelligence in the classroom aren’t going away in 2026.
Tag: Department of Education
Posted inEducation
Educators sound alarm on attacks to public schools during CBCF ALC panel
Educators and civil rights leaders at the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference warned that attacks on public education threaten both democracy and students’ futures. Speakers urged teachers to take action locally and nationally, emphasizing fully funding schools, lowering the cost of higher education and raising teacher pay as key steps forward.
Posted inEducation
Federal probe targets diversity efforts at George Mason under first Black president
George Mason University President Greg Washington faces growing pressure as the current White House administration launches a federal investigation into the school’s diversity efforts.
Posted inWord In Black
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Posted inPOLITICS
Education advocates sound the alarm as student loan overhaul moves through the Senate
Education advocates warn the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan could burden low-income students with higher costs and reduced aid. They say the proposal risks limiting college access for those who need help the most
Posted inBaltimore Government
Mayor Scott and fellow Democratic mayors address first 100 days of new presidential administration
Democratic mayors criticized the 47th president’s first 100 days in office, highlighting how sudden budget cuts and mass firings have strained local governments.
Posted inNational News
Civil Rights Act of 1964 goes back on trial May 12
Southern Education Foundation (SEF) President Raymond Pierce speaks out ahead of SEF’s May 12 federal court defense of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, challenging efforts by the current administration to conflate legally mandated desegregation programs with inclusion, equity, and diversity (IED) initiatives. At stake is the future of the Equity Assistance Center-South, a congressionally authorized civil rights center designed to dismantle racial segregation in public education—not an IED program—operated under SEF’s leadership.
Posted inPOLITICS
FY 2026 budget plan cuts and guts education dollars and programs
In its first 100 days, the 47th president’s administration has cut or planned to cut over 250,000 federal jobs, including major reductions at the Department of Education, signaling an intent to dismantle the agency and slash funding for key programs that support low-income and student-parent populations, especially affecting Black college students.
Posted inNational News
47th president signs new HBCU executive order
A new executive order revives the White House HBCU Initiative, but its rollout alongside a diversity, equity and inclusion rollback has sparked debate over the administration’s true priorities.
Posted inCommentary
Black boys matter: Why are they disappearing from schools?
The absence of young Black men in college reflects a long-standing pattern of systemic exclusion that begins in early childhood, with disproportionate discipline and a lack of support in K–12 education. Experts call for reimagining schools as spaces of healing, affirmation and culturally sustaining education that honor the full humanity of Black boys.
Posted inBaltimore Government
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott boasts progress during 2025 State of the City address
In his 2025 State of the City address, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott highlighted significant reductions in violent crime and outlined ambitious goals for education and housing, including plans to lower property tax rates and rehabilitate vacant homes. He also criticized federal policies, emphasizing Baltimore’s commitment to progress despite national challenges.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Education Department employees cheered as they leave, warn of impacts of cuts
Recently fired Department of Education employees received emotional send-offs as they packed up their belongings amid mass layoffs that cut the workforce by 50 percent. Supporters and advocates rallied in solidarity, warning that the cuts could weaken essential education programs and signaling broader concerns about the future of public education.