President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies,” aiming to overhaul disciplinary practices in U.S. schools. The order directs the Department of Education to issue new guidance within 30 days, emphasizing compliance with Title VI protections against racial discrimination and discouraging the use of “discriminatory equity ideology” in disciplinary decisions.
The executive order eliminates the use of disparate impact analysis in civil rights enforcement, a method previously used to assess whether policies disproportionately affect students of certain racial or ethnic groups . Critics argue that this shift may lead to increased disciplinary actions against Black and Latino students, who historically face higher suspension and expulsion rates.
Supporters of the order, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon, contend that the previous focus on equity and inclusion compromised student safety by encouraging schools to overlook poor or violent behavior . The order also mandates a report analyzing the consequences of DEI-based school discipline and proposes model policies rooted in American values.
This executive action is part of a broader series of education-related orders signed by President Trump, which also address artificial intelligence education, workforce development, and reforms in higher education accreditation.
The implementation of this order is expected to prompt significant changes in school disciplinary policies nationwide, with ongoing debates about its impact on student equity and safety.