Education Department
Coverage of Education Department in the Nexus archive.
- Opinion: Former Republican Special Ed Chiefs Warn Against Shifting Oversight to HHS
Former leaders of the Office of Special Education Programs in the Trump and George W. Bush administrations oppose moving special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services, arguing it would create a fragmented system and not improve services for children with disabilities. They warn that dismantling the Education Department risks confusing guidance and inconsistent support for families and educators.
- Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late
The Education Department's Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), which tracks student treatment in U.S. schools, is six months overdue under the Trump administration. Advocates express concern as the Trump administration plans to move the Office for Civil Rights (which oversees CRDC) from the Education Department to the Department of Justice, alongside policies targeting diversity initiatives and transgender student athletes.
- Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late
The Education Department has delayed releasing civil rights data about schools by six months under Trump. The data covers issues like bullying, harassment, and disability services, but the latest information has not been made public.
- Federal civil rights data holds schools accountable. Under Trump, it's 6 months late
The Education Department has delayed releasing the latest civil rights data on bullying, harassment, and disability services in schools for six months under Trump. This data is typically used to hold schools accountable for compliance with civil rights protections.
- Changes to student loans are taking effect July 1. Here’s what to know
Federal student loan changes effective July 1 include the end of the Biden-era SAVE plan, new graduate loan limits under Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' and potential payment increases for borrowers. Around 9 million Americans are in default, and borrowers in the SAVE plan must switch repayment plans within 90 days of notification.
- Trump administration threatens Kansas school district funding over transgender student policy
The Trump administration announced potential enforcement action against Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools for policies preventing staff from notifying parents of a transgender student's gender identity, citing violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The Education Department accused the district of obstructing parents' access to education records and stated it would pursue measures including withholding federal funding.
- Inside two Title IX investigations in Colorado that reflect a ‘new way of doing business’ under Trump
Two Title IX investigations in Colorado under the Trump administration highlight a shift in enforcement practices, including reduced in-depth interviews and untested interpretations of policies. Denver Public Schools faced a probe over all-gender bathrooms, while Jeffco Public Schools was threatened with losing federal funds over boys' names on girls' sports rosters, which the district attributed to non-athletes.
- Student-loan borrowers get new timeline for leaving a key repayment plan — and some will have 'even more time'
The Trump administration confirmed that student-loan borrowers on the SAVE repayment plan will not need to transition to a new plan until at least September 29, with most receiving more time due to a phased rollout. This follows the elimination of the SAVE plan, a Biden-era initiative, and comes amid a lawsuit challenging the transition to more expensive repayment options.
- How Trump’s Education Department Is Targeting Trans Students
The Trump administration is attempting to use a civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination to roll back protections for transgender students. The article highlights the administration's strategy to reinterpret existing laws to limit these protections.
- Judge blocks Trump plan that would limit graduate student loans in nursing and other fields
A federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration plan to limit federal student loans for graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, public health, and other fields. The ruling paused new loan caps of $100,000 for 'graduate' programs and $200,000 for 'professional' degrees, which excluded nursing and related fields. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners and other groups argued the policy would force students to take private loans or abandon education.
- Judge blocks Trump plan that would limit graduate student loans in nursing and other fields
A federal judge blocked part of a Trump administration plan to limit graduate student loan amounts for fields like nursing and public health. The ruling paused updated definitions of 'professional degree' that excluded certain groups from higher loan caps, which were set to take effect in July. The Education Department is reviewing the decision, and another lawsuit challenging the loan caps remains pending.
- 'It's completely out of bounds': Democrat launches Linda McMahon impeachment effort
A Democrat named Bonamici is seeking to impeach Linda McMahon over her dismantling of the Education Department. The effort is framed as a response to McMahon's actions related to the department.
- NY charter school heads blast education department in scathing letter: ‘Success has made it a target’
NY charter school leaders criticized the education department in a letter, expressing concern over repeated challenges to SUNY's decisions and support for lawsuits against SUNY-authorized schools. These schools serve over 117,000 students statewide.
- Inspector General Details ED Cuts From Early Days of Trump’s Second Term
The Inspector General reported on education (ED) cuts during the early days of Trump’s second term, noting the Education Department failed to provide all requested information, which limited the watchdog's review.
- NYC’s $1.9 billion dilemma: How long can schools be ‘held harmless’ for enrollment losses?
New York City is spending $290 million next year on the 'hold harmless' policy to prevent budget cuts at schools with declining enrollment, up from prior years. Since 2020, the policy has cost nearly $1.9 billion, with 723 schools receiving funds and 55 receiving over $1 million each. Political opposition to phasing out the policy has emerged, complicating efforts to address the city's budget deficit.
- Lānaʻi School Relies On Temporary Power Lines For Years
Lānaʻi High and Elementary School has been relying on temporary power lines for years. The education department has not provided a timeframe for when the school's electrical system will receive permanent repairs.
- Education Department cuts student loan interest rate
The Education Department will reduce student loan interest rates by 1 percent for borrowers enrolled in automatic payments starting July 1, effective through June 30, 2028. Borrowers must enroll in auto pay by Sept. 30 to qualify.
- Student-loan borrowers can act now to become eligible for a new repayment benefit
The Education Department under President Donald Trump announced a 1% interest-rate reduction for federal student-loan borrowers who enroll in autopay by September 30. Borrowers already in autopay receive an additional 0.75 percentage point reduction, with benefits lasting until June 30, 2028. The policy aims to encourage timely repayments and improve the federal loan portfolio's health.
- Student-loan borrowers were mistakenly told their monthly payments were $50. Some of their bills are much higher.
Student-loan borrowers were incorrectly informed their monthly payments would be $50, but some now face significantly higher bills. The Education Department confirmed the error, which affected borrowers who shared tax information with Federal Student Aid, and stated the issue has been resolved with corrected payments expected soon.
- Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system
Families of kids with disabilities warn that changes by the Education Department could disrupt an already flawed system. Parents have waited months for the department to address complaints involving bullying or discrimination.
- Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system
Families of children with disabilities warn that the Education Department's transfer of civil rights enforcement and special education oversight to the DOJ and HHS could exacerbate delays and chaos in an already strained system. Parents like Nicole May report unresolved complaints, while advocates criticize the move for misaligning special education needs with health-focused HHS priorities.
- Trump is shifting special ed, civil rights out of Education Department. Here’s what we know
The Education Department is transferring oversight of special education and civil rights to the Justice Department and HHS, aligning with President Trump's goal to dismantle the department. These moves reduce the Education Department's responsibilities, with the Justice Department handling civil rights enforcement and student privacy, and HHS managing special education programs.
- Trump moves oversight of special education and civil rights out of the Education Department
Trump administration moves oversight of special education and civil rights from the Education Department to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services. The changes aim to scale back federal oversight, with the DOJ handling civil rights enforcement and HHS overseeing special education. Advocacy groups criticize the move, warning it will harm underserved students and create uncertainty in services.
- Trump Administration Shifts Special Education Programs to Health Department
The Trump Administration is transferring special education programs from the Education Department to the Health Department. The Education Department will also move the Office for Civil Rights' anti-discrimination enforcement duties to the Justice Department.
- Indiana becomes the latest state to receive flexibility from Trump on federal education spending
Indiana has been granted flexibility by the Trump administration to consolidate $50 million in federal education funds from five streams into one with fewer restrictions, joining Iowa and Louisiana. The waiver aims to reduce compliance costs by $20 million but was denied a proposal to redirect funds to higher-performing schools for a school choice program.
- CM must reveal those behind Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination rejection: Harish Rao
Harish Rao demands the Chief Minister to disclose those responsible for rejecting Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination. He accuses the education department of a scam, citing it as the cause for delays in reopening schools.
- Why NYC school budgets won’t be cut, at least for now, in cases of lower enrollment
New York City schools will retain their budgets for the 2026-27 school year despite declining enrollment, continuing a 'hold harmless' policy started during the pandemic. The policy, which has cost $1.6 billion over six years, aims to provide stability but faces criticism for disproportionately benefiting schools with the most student losses.
- Schoolchildren participate in TVK function; Education department launches inquiry
A function was held to open the local TVK office in Thippampatti, Veerapandi Assembly constituency, Salem. Approximately 50 students from Kuralnatham Government Primary School attended the event, allegedly brought by their headmaster in school uniforms. The education department has launched an inquiry into the incident.
- NYC proposal would add younger students to school leadership teams — and pay them for it
New York City proposes adding students to school leadership teams (SLTs) in elementary and middle schools, with members receiving $300 for 30 hours of work. The initiative aims to expand student involvement in school decision-making, building on existing high school SLT structures. The Education Department emphasizes the importance of student voices in shaping policies and plans for schools.
- Education Department sued over student loan limitations
Two advocacy groups, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the PA Education Association, filed a lawsuit against the Education Department over its cap on student loan amounts for physician associates and assistants. The legal action challenges recent loan limitations imposed by the department.
- The Needle: Virginia Is No. 1 in Income, Trump Administration Trashed Its DMs, Trump Wants to Fire GS-15s Without a Reason, Times Editorial Board Rejects National Intelligence Nominee, and Education Department Wants to Turn Back Time
Virginia ranks first in WalletHub's state income analysis with high earnings across income levels. President Trump's administration failed to preserve Twitter DMs, violated the Presidential Records Act, and issued an executive order allowing the government to fire GS-15 federal workers without cause. The New York Times Editorial Board rejected Bill Pulte as National Intelligence nominee due to lack of qualifications, and the Education Department is ending civil rights protections.
- Trump officials went after dozens of colleges. Now they’re rewriting the rules for all of academia
The Trump administration is shifting from targeting individual colleges with investigations to rewriting federal rules governing higher education. New regulations aim to address diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athlete participation, and perceived anti-white discrimination, affecting thousands of institutions. The approach includes proposals for accreditation changes and restricting federal grants from supporting 'anti-American values.'
- The Latest: House approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran
The House approved a war powers resolution to end U.S. military action against Iran, with some Republicans joining Democrats. The Senate advanced immigration funding legislation, and Trump nominated Todd Blanche as attorney general. Separately, Trump's administration shifted tactics to rewrite higher education rules after court interventions, and a golden-haired buffalo named Donald Trump became a sensation in Bangladesh.
- Trump officials went after dozens of colleges. Now they’re rewriting the rules for all of academia
The Trump administration is shifting from targeting individual colleges with investigations to proposing broad federal rules affecting all U.S. universities. New regulations focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism, and perceived anti-white discrimination. Agencies like the Education Department and Office of Management and Budget are introducing measures to align federal grants and accreditation with the administration’s priorities.
- Trump officials went after dozens of colleges. Now they're rewriting the rules for all of academia
The Trump administration shifted from targeting individual colleges with investigations and funding cuts to proposing broad federal rules affecting all higher education. New regulations from the Education Department, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and General Services Administration (GSA) aim to influence funding, grant allocations, and institutional policies, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Federal judges previously blocked funding cuts at Harvard and UCLA, but the administration continues its efforts to reshape academic policies.
- The Latest: Trump keeps immunity from tax probes while scrapping $1.8 billion compensation fund
The Trump administration is scrapping a $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies and maintaining a deal to drop tax claims against Trump, while also implementing an AI oversight executive order and facing setbacks in endorsing candidates.
- The Latest: Trump keeps immunity from tax probes while scrapping $1.8 billion compensation fund
The Trump administration is eliminating a $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies amid political backlash but retaining a deal to drop tax claims against President Donald Trump. The Education Department is rolling back civil rights protections for Black students, framing equity programs as discriminatory, while Trump signed an executive order to assess AI systems for national security risks.
- Trump’s Education Department is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students
The Trump administration's Education Department is shifting away from addressing civil rights for Black students by framing equity programs as discriminatory. Schools implementing initiatives to address racial disparities face funding threats, with examples including the Black Student Success Program in Chicago and the Black Student Achievement Plan in Los Angeles. Civil rights advocates argue this approach reverses historical efforts to combat systemic discrimination.
- NY lawmakers to give Mamdani 2-year extension to comply with NYC class size mandate
New York City will receive a two-year extension to comply with a state law requiring smaller class sizes, with revised compliance targets spread over three additional school years. The agreement includes a pay incentive for educators whose classes exceed caps, as part of a budget-balancing effort by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
- Virtual event: Has the Trump administration returned education to the states?
Chalkbeat Ideas hosts a virtual event on June 11 to discuss the Trump administration's education policies, including efforts to reduce federal oversight and transfer programs to the Department of Labor. Panelists include state education leaders from Rhode Island and Indiana, who will address impacts on schools, federal program cuts, testing, and civil rights enforcement.