School Psychology News Roundup, March 7, 2025

by Mandy Morgan March 7, 2025

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From scholarships to housing, college students struggle with the effects of Trump orders against DEI

The University of Iowa and other higher education institutions are discontinuing diversity-focused living learning communities and DEI initiatives in response to a mandate from the Department of Education, stemming from former President Trump’s executive order to curtail DEI programs. This shift is causing significant disruption for students who relied on these programs to foster a sense of belonging and for universities facing challenges related to scholarships and staffing, highlighting the broader impact of dismantling DEI efforts on student support, cultural awareness, and the educational pipeline.

NY’s largest teachers union influential in getting members elected to school boards, but some raise conflict of interest concerns

The article explores the significant influence of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) union in electing teachers to school board positions across the state, highlighting the benefits of their classroom insights on education policy and funding priorities while raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest given their role in setting teacher compensation and policy in a high-tax state. Critics argue that the Pipeline Project, which has facilitated the union’s growing presence in politics, could prioritize labor interests over broader educational issues, exacerbating fiscal challenges, and calls for increased transparency in school board election financing are noted alongside suggestions for reform, such as mayoral control of schools.

Section 504 protection for students with mental health needs is under threat. Here’s what to know

A lawsuit led by 17 attorneys general, including Georgia’s AG Chris Carr, challenges the inclusion of “gender dysphoria” under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, potentially threatening accommodations for students with disabilities, such as the crucial support plans that help individuals like 12-year-old Lydia Dobbs, who has autism, thrive in educational settings. While the lawsuit’s intent is to contest the Biden administration’s interpretation of Section 504, disability rights advocates argue that it dangerously undermines longstanding protections for people with disabilities by targeting broader anti-discrimination measures.

The Legal Gray Areas of AI Surveillance in Higher Education

The increasing reliance on AI for university disciplinary actions raises significant concerns over privacy, due process, and potential bias, with critics highlighting how these technologies can disproportionately target marginalized groups and operate beyond student consent, thus infringing on rights and fairness. Legal experts, including Joseph Lento, are beginning to challenge universities for their opaque and potentially discriminatory AI-based practices, arguing for transparent processes and stronger oversight to protect student rights against unchecked algorithmic decision-making.

Trump cuts more than $400 million in grants to Columbia over antisemitism concerns, potentially more to come

The Trump administration has rescinded over $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University due to concerns over antisemitism on campus and inadequate institutional response, while ongoing reviews may lead to further funding cuts. This significant financial repercussion aligns with broader executive actions to combat antisemitism, impacting the university’s commitment to ensure a discrimination-free environment for all students.

Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education. Here’s what the agency does.

President Trump is reportedly poised to issue an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, a move that may disrupt the handling of services such as federal student loans and educational grants integral to millions of families. Experts warn that transferring responsibilities to state and local levels could raise costs for families and potentially compromise essential programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Title I funding for low-income schools, amid the Trump administration’s broader agenda to reduce federal oversight in education.