The Trump administration took aim at another keystone in public education, this time looking to shake up how schools handle discipline.

In a significant policy move, President Trump signed an executive order on April 23, 2025, aimed at reshaping school discipline protocols, primarily targeting what the administration describes as racially discriminatory policies instituted during the Obama and Biden administrations. This action raises critical questions about the balance of power in educational governance and the effects of federal intervention on local standards. The order suggests that efforts to address disciplinary disparities have resulted in schools becoming lax in managing student behavior, arguing that such policies have ostensibly endangered students and undermined academic achievement. Critics of the new order argue that it runs counter to established research showing that disciplinary measures are inequitably applied, particularly against students of color. The order dismisses these disparities in favor of a framework that advocates for consistent disciplinary practices, ostensibly grounded in 'American values.' Proponents of restorative practices contend that creating supportive environments is crucial for effective learning, which the new order seems to challenge. Experts in education policy have expressed concern about the vagueness of the order, indicating that it opens the door for states to adopt broad and potentially harmful disciplinary practices. Furthermore, the language used—labeling prior equity-focused discipline policies as 'discriminatory equity ideology'—highlights a broader cultural struggle in contemporary education, specifically regarding issues of race and inclusion. In response to this order, educators can expect increased scrutiny and possible legal challenges questioning the appropriateness and implementation of new disciplinary measures. This conflicting narrative surrounding inclusion, equity, and discipline underscores the complexities of navigating educational reform in a politically charged environment, where each directive evokes strong sentiments across the political spectrum. Overall, this executive order represents a potential pivot back to more punitive disciplinary measures at a time when many educators are advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach to student behavior.