Breaking: US Department of Education Changes That Impact Schools
The U.S. Department of Education is at a crossroads. New leadership, funding changes, policy shifts, and a push for more state control—this isn’t just talk, it’s happening right now.
The U.S. Department of Education is undergoing significant changes that could reshape education policy in America. From leadership shifts to major policy overhauls, educators, school leaders, and parents need to stay informed about what’s happening. Here’s a quick breakdown of the five biggest education policy changes unfolding right now.
1. Leadership and Potential Department Closure
According to a recent article from Politico, Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE, has been sworn in as the new Secretary of Education. She aligns with President Trump’s vision of reducing federal control over education, advocating for increased state and local oversight. One of her key goals? A potential closure of the Department of Education. McMahon has outlined a plan to reallocate federal programs to states, which could drastically alter how education is governed in the U.S. (Politico, 2025).
2. School Choice Expansion and DEI Program Cuts
As reported by Business Insider, the administration is aggressively promoting school choice, expanding publicly funded vouchers for private schools, and increasing parental involvement in education decisions. Meanwhile, Associated Press (AP) News states that schools and universities have been ordered to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within two weeks or risk losing federal funding. This move specifically targets the use of racial preferences in admissions, financial aid, and hiring. Additionally, The New York Post reports that a new ‘End DEI’ portal has been launched by the Department of Education, allowing parents, students, and teachers to report discriminatory practices in schools.
3. Civil Rights and Title IX Enforcement
According to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, investigations have been launched into school districts that allow male athletes to compete in girls’ sports, reinforcing strict adherence to Title IX regulations. Additionally, AP News reports that the administration is leveraging federal funding to combat antisemitism on college campuses, beginning with an investigation into Columbia University (AP News, 2025).
4. Higher Education and Student Loan Changes
As reported by MarketWatch, student loan borrowers are facing increased difficulties in accessing repayment plans, with budget cuts to loan servicing and the removal of income-driven repayment applications causing disruptions. Meanwhile, Wikipedia’s FAFSA page notes that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been modified to remove the option for students to identify as nonbinary, aligning with recent executive orders defining gender as strictly male or female.
5. Executive Orders Reshaping K-12 Education
According to Politico, President Trump has signed new executive orders focusing on ending 'indoctrination' in K-12 schools, expanding school choice, and investigating campus protests. These measures aim to shift the focus of education back to core subjects and reduce federal intervention in schools (Politico, 2025).
What’s Next?
These policy shifts are already making waves, with some schools scrambling to adapt while others applaud the changes. The big question remains: How will these decisions impact classrooms, teachers, and students in the long run?
Join the Conversation
Do these changes benefit or harm education? How will they impact your school or district? I want to hear from you.Shoot me a DM, tag me in a post, or email me at joe@travelprincipal.com. Let’s keep this conversation real and informed.
If you found this update helpful, share it with a fellow educator or school leader—staying informed is the first step in navigating what’s ahead.
Stay sharp, stay engaged, and as always, keep traveling forward in education.