Educational News Roundup, Mach 11, 2025

by Mandy Morgan March 11, 2025

Become Your Community’s Educational Hero!

Unlock critical mental health insights and cutting-edge education research for only $5/month or $50 annually. This Week in School Psychology simplifies complex topics and empowers educators and parents alike. Your subscription keeps independent, innovative science alive. Join today and champion transformative education!

Trump Takes Aim at the Department of Education

The article discusses President Trump’s anticipated executive order to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, revealing a strategic contradiction in his approach. Although aiming to dismantle what he perceives as federal overreach, Trump is simultaneously leveraging the Department to advance his education policies centered on reducing “woke” ideologies, highlighting a shift towards increased parental control and cultural conservatism in schooling. This indicates potential long-term changes in federal support for education, especially impacting low-income students and those with disabilities.

Dept. of Education warns University of Washington over antisemitism

The U.S. Department of Education’s warning to the University of Washington and 59 other institutions under investigation for Title VI violations signifies a stringent federal stance on addressing antisemitic harassment on campuses, emphasizing that continued federal funding is contingent on adherence to antidiscrimination laws. This move underscores the department’s commitment to safeguarding Jewish students’ safety and ensuring that educational environments remain inclusive and non-discriminatory.

To be anti-trafficking requires support for education rights

Jonathan Todres argues that amidst political divides, consensus should exist on combating child labor and human trafficking, emphasizing that accessible and quality education serves as a critical tool to break the cycle of exploitation and poverty. By ensuring free education, providing school meals, investing in teachers, and supporting low-income families, education can help reduce child labor and position children for secure employment, underscoring the importance of focusing resources on this foundational human right.

More Black teens are in mental health crisis. This church tries to help them heal

The article highlights the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions to address the rising suicide risk among Black adolescents, as illustrated by the pioneering efforts of First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. Despite alarming trends, programs like HAVEN Connect demonstrate the potential impact of leveraging trusted community institutions, such as Black churches, to reduce stigma, foster mental health awareness, and build protective factors for vulnerable teenagers.

Randi Weingarten ‘really angry’ over Ed Dept elimination months after saying union members ‘don’t really care’

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, has reversed her stance and now strongly opposes attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, arguing that its programs are crucial for supporting disadvantaged and disabled students. Her change in position highlights the potential negative impact of eliminating the department on equity and educational opportunities for vulnerable student populations.

Two Florida universities face federal scrutiny over civil rights

Following the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to cut federal funds to Columbia University over antisemitism concerns, 60 additional schools are now under investigation, including the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa, highlighting the government’s focus on addressing rising antisemitic activity on campuses under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This development underscores the urgent need for university leaders to ensure the safety of Jewish students and to address campus climate issues, with potential implications for federal funding if violations are found.