White House Pushes for Educational Reform
On August 24, 2026, Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Donald Trump announced a new policy aimed at overhauling the national education system. Speaking at the Rose Garden of the White House, they highlighted the administration’s plans to dismantle federal micromanagement, returning control to states and parents. This shift seeks to redirect substantial funds from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to direct classroom benefits, enabling states to bypass federal bureaucracy.
New Regulations Target Race in Education
In a continued effort to reshape educational policies, the Trump administration proposed regulations to revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools and colleges if they incorporate race in admissions or scholarships. This proposal, led by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service, argues against discrimination allegedly faced by white students in favor of students of color. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that race-based preferences are discriminatory, even if branded as equitable or inclusive.
Impact of Treasury’s Proposal
These regulations follow the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions, which restricted race-conscious admissions practices. The proposal covers various areas such as admissions, scholarships, athletics, and any school-administered program considering race, color, or national origin. An estimated 18,000 schools and 750,000 students could be affected, particularly those eligible for race-based scholarships. Nevertheless, the proposal allows religious schools to maintain their missions based on religious affiliation.
Public Response and Legal Implications
The proposal entails a public comment period and could face legal challenges if implemented. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is contemplating legal action, arguing that these measures misuse civil-rights laws intended to protect marginalized groups. AAUP President Todd Wolfson criticized the proposal, emphasizing that policies to dismantle racial exclusion differ fundamentally from those preserving it.
Continued Targeting of DEI Policies
Since President Trump’s return to office in 2025, the administration has focused on eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in both K-12 schools and higher education. Actions have included threats and investigations into institutions like Harvard University over race-based policies and alleged antisemitism.