How will Donald Trump’s return affect the education system? Understand in 5 points

Donald Trump oath ceremony: Donald Trump is once again going to take oath as the President of America. his/her swearing in will take place on January 20. With Trump’s return, there is a possibility of major changes in the education sector. Most of all there is discussion about what kind of change can happen in the education sector. Trump promised during the election campaign that he/she would close the Department of Education.
Because of his/her promise, there is concern among the ministry as well as the people. Diversity programs, student loan forgiveness, and academic freedom are going to be at risk due to the closure of the Ministry of Education. Its deep impact is also going to be seen on colleges and universities. In such a situation, let us know what five major changes can be seen in the education sector of America after Donald Trump becomes the President.

(1) Changes in the rules of Biden government

There is every possibility that Trump may change the rules implemented during the administration of President Joe Biden. If this happens, it will become easier for colleges to follow the rules, but it will raise questions on accountability and transparency. Under the Biden government, colleges had to provide details like enrollment data, course fees and private loans. Its objective was to make colleges accountable. But during Trump’s tenure, colleges may get the freedom to experiment without strict rules.

(2) Financial relief to educational institutions

Educational institutions may benefit from Donald Trump’s stance on labor and wage policies. Trump could remove Biden’s overtime rule, which had raised the salary threshold for overtime exemptions, thereby reducing payroll costs for colleges. This change will benefit those colleges which are already running on a low budget. However, due to rising fees for higher education, there is currently doubt whether Trump’s decisions will be of much benefit.

(3) Changes in campus policies and union powers.

The Trump government can make labor policies for the benefit of companies/employers, which will directly impact the unions on college campuses. According to a report by Inside Higher Ed, during his/her first term, Trump’s ‘National Labor Relations Board’ (NLRB) sought to restrict the rights of student workers at private institutions to form unions. Such policies can be brought again. Unions have always been advocating good working conditions.

(4) Support to online education

According to industry analysts, the Trump government may adopt a more favorable attitude towards online education. Strict rules were implemented on virtual programs in the Biden government. But the Trump government can promote online education, which is cheaper than the traditional education system. This change could accelerate the adoption of innovative course structures and broaden access to education, especially for non-traditional students.

(5) Withdrawal of DEI initiatives

One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s return is the perceived threat to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Trump administration’s past opposition to DEI programs has fueled fears that such efforts could be drastically cut back or eliminated altogether. This possibility worries many teachers who view these programs as essential to fostering an inclusive campus environment.