Defending Education Equity: The Impact of White House Directives

Explore our latest insights and advocacy efforts as we break down the real impact of these White House directives and fight for policies that center students, families, and educators — because we must protect America’s future.
the front of the White House building with blue skies and green lawn. Photo credit: David Everett Strickler from Unsplash

Joint Comment on the Secretary’s proposed priority and definitions on Meaningful Learning Opportunities

October 28, 2025 by EdTrust

Two organizations share feedback on Secretary’s McMahon’s proposed supplemental priority and definitions on Meaningful Learning Opportunities

Joint Statement on OESE/OCR Cuts

October 22, 2025 by EdTrust

Advocates reiterate calls to reverse layoffs of Department of Education employees

Joint Comment on Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Promoting Patriotic Education

October 21, 2025 by EdTrust

Twelve organizations share feedback with the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Promoting Patriotic Education

2 Executive Orders That Hinder School Discipline Progress and Civil Rights

article-cropped June 25, 2025 by Kathryn E. Wiley

Two executive orders target K-12 school discipline for Black students and other underserved students, even though they are disciplined more than their white peers

Testimony of Denise Forte on Senate FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

June 16, 2025 by EdTrust

On behalf of EdTrust, a national nonprofit committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system, thank you for the opportunity to present testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) Appropriations bill.

VIDEO: Trump’s Chaotic Carnival Ride for Students

video June 02, 2025 by EdTrust

Ever since Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2025, he and his administration have enacted harmful education policies that put our nation’s students at risk

The Hidden Costs of School Voucher Programs: A Community’s Story

article-cropped May 28, 2025 by Nadia Taylor

A teacher in DC has seen firsthand how school voucher programs can unravel the very fabric of a community and leave students behind

Why Defunding AmeriCorps is a Mistake

article-cropped May 20, 2025 by Allison Rose Socol, Ph.D.

The Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants and place 85% of AmeriCorps staff on administrative leave is deeply misguided

Fear, Cuts, and Consequences: What Trump’s First 100 Days Mean for Massachusetts and Other States

article-cropped May 06, 2025 by Jennie Williamson

For Massachusetts, a state grounded in values of ensuring all residents feel welcome, protected, and have equitable opportunities to thrive, the president’s agenda is devastating