Trump orders end to federal support for gender, race ideology in schools

President Donald Trump released an executive order Wednesday evening to pull federal funding from K-12 public schools that teach what he characterized as radical ideologies on race and gender. In the order, Trump likened the modern education system to an echo chamber that corrodes critical thinking by failing to allow students to question or analyze concepts being taught. He indicated that removal of these ideologies would once again encourage free thought in public school classrooms.

What kinds of radical ideologies is the president talking about? The order took issue with racial ideologies that encourage students to see themselves as either victims or oppressors depending on their race—an apparent reference to critical race theory. The order also prohibited educators from undermining parental oversight by teaching students to question or deny their biological sex without their parents’ knowledge or consent.

What kinds of actions are triggered by the order? The order pulls federal funds from public schools using curriculum the order identifies as inappropriate. It also gives the secretary of education about three months to draft a more complete plan to rid K-12 classrooms of the material. Trump also tasked federal and local prosecutors with enforcing the order by taking legal action against teachers who aid minors wanting to adopt a transgender lifestyle. Additionally, the order reestablishes the 1776 Commission, which was created during Trump’s first term to promote patriotic educational programs.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Trump’s executive order to cut federal support to programs aiding minors in receiving transgender procedures.