The list includes foreign donation disclosure requirements at universities and an end to ’restorative justice’ practices in public schools.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced additional education reform measures that he said will promote transparency and meritocracy over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, boost technology and innovation, and improve learning environments.
During the signing ceremony and news conference in his office, he was flanked by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and several disabled military veterans.
The first executive order, “Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities,” requires higher education institutions to disclose donors’ nation of origin and other information. The president did not disclose the rules for compliance.
Trump accused his predecessor, President Joe Biden, of allowing China and Qatar to funnel billions of dollars to U.S. universities, stealing taxpayer-funded intellectual property, and using American schools to host foreign propaganda.
The second executive order signed Wednesday called for ending DEI in the accreditation of colleges and universities.
The third order reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to supporting historically black colleges and universities.
The fourth order called for a strong federal commitment to supporting artificial intelligence as a learning tool in public education.
“That’s a big deal,” Trump said. “We have trillions of dollars today invested in AI.”
The fifth order challenges learning institutions and employers to create one million new apprenticeships to boost the U.S. workforce.
“We’re going to remake that American dream,” Lutnick said.
The final order calls for an end to “restorative justice” policies at public schools. Focused on diversity ideology, the restorative justice approach discourages teachers from disciplining disruptive students through traditional means such as suspension or expulsion.
This article will be updated with more information.
