Key points:
- Inclusivity and fairness are essential to our nation’s integrity
- 7 harmful policies higher ed could see in 2025
- Higher ed in the wake of the Department of Education’s dismantling
- For more news on higher-ed policy, visit eCN’s Campus Leadership hub
The recent policy shifts under the Trump administration and the Musk-aligned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have initiated a profound transformation of our nation’s foundational institutions. These changes, encompassing education, labor rights, and environmental protections, are not mere political maneuvers but direct challenges to the principles of equity, justice, and collective well-being.
Drawing from extensive research and personal experiences, it is imperative to critically examine these developments and mobilize concerted efforts to counteract their detrimental effects.
Erosion of educational equity
The administration’s Project 2025 has aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within educational institutions. A directive mandates the elimination of DEI programs, with a looming deadline pressuring schools to comply. Many institutions, however, are resisting immediate changes, confident in their legal standing and the enduring value of DEI efforts. States such as Washington and California have advised their educational bodies to maintain current programs, asserting that federal law remains unchanged. This tension highlights a broader ideological clash over the role of DEI in fostering inclusive educational environments. Catherine Lhamon, who led the department’s Office for Civil Rights under Biden, expressed, “I hope very much that schools charged with providing inclusive, equal education to every student in their school community will stand for that principle.”
The Department of Education faces significant budget cuts, with approximately 170 contracts for the Institute of Education Sciences halted. These cuts jeopardize critical research and development projects aimed at improving educational outcomes. The administration’s intent to dismantle the Department of Education further threatens the federal support system that underpins public education, potentially leading to increased disparities and a decline in educational quality nationwide.
Undermining labor rights
The pursuit of “government efficiency” has precipitated a systematic erosion of labor protections. The reinstatement of Schedule F, a job classification that reclassifies numerous civil service positions as political appointments, undermines the merit-based system designed to ensure a nonpartisan and competent federal workforce. This shift enables the replacement of seasoned professionals with political loyalists, destabilizing the institutional knowledge and continuity essential for effective governance.
The Department of Government Efficiency claims substantial budgetary savings through extensive cuts, particularly targeting DEI and climate-related contracts. However, analyses reveal that the actual savings are significantly less than reported, raising concerns about the transparency and rationale behind these reductions. The abrupt termination of contracts not only disrupts ongoing projects but also undermines the livelihoods of countless workers dedicated to public service.
Dismantling environmental protections
Environmental policies have undergone drastic revisions, notably with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) experiencing substantial budget cuts. The administration’s focus on reducing expenditures has led to confusion and concern among EPA employees, as well as criticism from environmental groups. These cuts are perceived as hindering the EPA’s ability to protect air and water resources effectively.
Furthermore, the administration’s directive to reconsider the 2009 endangerment finding, which identifies greenhouse gases as a threat to public health, signals a potential rollback of critical climate regulations. This move, coupled with the promotion of fossil fuels through foreign aid and the dismantling of agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), underscores a shift away from environmental stewardship toward short-term economic interests.
Call to action
The convergence of these policy changes necessitates immediate and sustained action from all who value the principles of equity, justice, and environmental sustainability. Engagement in organized advocacy is crucial. Organizations such as MoveOn provide platforms for collective action, enabling individuals to amplify their voices and influence policy decisions.
Supporting investigative journalism is equally vital, with many publications and news organizations at the forefront of uncovering the implications of these policy shifts, offering in-depth analyses that inform public discourse and accountability.
Personal narratives play a powerful role in humanizing the abstract consequences of policy decisions. Sharing stories of those directly affected by these changes fosters empathy and underscores the real-world impact of administrative actions. These narratives can galvanize public opinion and drive collective action toward policy reversal and reform.
The current trajectory of policy under the Trump administration and DOGE represents a fundamental challenge to the values that underpin a just and equitable society. It is incumbent upon us to engage actively, support rigorous journalism, and elevate personal stories to counteract these developments. Through informed and collective action, we can strive to uphold the principles of inclusivity, fairness, and environmental responsibility that are essential to our nation’s integrity.
