An Associated Press investigation examines how the 47th president’s Education and Justice departments are reshaping civil rights enforcement by challenging programs designed to address longstanding inequities for Black students and other students of color. Critics argue the administration’s interpretation of anti-discrimination law reverses decades of civil rights policy, while supporters contend federally funded programs must be race-neutral and comply with existing law.
Tag: Department of Education
Posted inCommentary
‘Under Babied’: Alarming new language and double standards around the politics of birth
By Crystal Coache Picture this: after hours of contractions, listening to the sound of multiple beeping heart monitors, the breathless he-he-whhhhooooo’s, and constant poking and prodding from nurses, you finally give birth and your doctor looks up at you and says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been babied!” Actually, you don’t need to use your imagination. Recently, […]
Posted inOpinion
Appeals court ends affordable SAVE Program for 7 million student borrowers
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. In this column, she discusses how a federal appeals court has ended the SAVE student loan repayment program, likely increasing financial strain for 7 million borrowers, especially those with the greatest need. At the same time, major staff cuts at the Education Department have weakened oversight of loan servicers, raising concerns about billing errors and borrower protections.
Posted inEducation
3 education fights that aren’t going away in 2026
Battles over the Department of Education, immigration and artificial intelligence in the classroom aren’t going away in 2026.
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.
