Title: While Your Attention Was Fixed Elsewhere: What’s Really Happening at the Department of Education

From DEI Crackdowns to a Bullseye on Elite Universities—How the Trump Administration Is Quietly Reshaping U.S. Education

In recent weeks, the headlines have been dominated by news on tariffs, immigration policy, El Salvadoran prisons, not-so-secret texts at the Department of Defense, 401k losses, and high-profile political squabbles. But quietly, and with potentially lasting effects, the U.S. Department of Education is undergoing a radical transformation. The Trump administration has taken a sledgehammer to long-standing education policies, programs, and even the agency itself.

This blog explores the sweeping changes happening behind the scenes, especially over the last few weeks—and what they could mean for educators, IECs, students, and families.

Dismantling the Department of Education

It was just last month(!), in March 2025, that President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to begin "facilitating its closure." Newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has been tasked with leading this effort, outlined in the Project 2025 playbook. While the full implications remain unclear, the goal appears to be a complete devolution of federal control over education to the states.

What could this mean? Abolishing the Department of Education would likely end federal oversight on key issues such as civil rights enforcement in schools, Title I funding for low-income districts, Pell Grants, and student loan servicing. It also raises serious concerns about consistency in education quality, equity, and access across the country.

Some changes don’t require speculation because they are well underway.

The DEI Crackdown

In February 2025, the Department issued a sweeping directive requiring that all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at federally funded institutions be dismantled within 14 days. To back up that demand, the administration has threatened the loss of hundreds of millions in federal support to agencies, school districts and universities, medical research facilities, and more.

Colleges have responded in different ways, often reflecting the school’s leadership and the state’s political leanings. Florida State University, for example, immediately suspended its Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, while The University of Michigan is attempting to restructure DEI-related programming under different banners, such as "student wellness" or "campus belonging." I have seen school districts and non-profit organizations alike either remove DEI pages from their public websites, or re-label such pages to tout a commitment to “building community.”

Generally, this has had a chilling effect across campuses. Even elite institutions are finding ways to shelve or quietly reframe DEI work to avoid scrutiny.

Targeting Elite Institutions

The administration is also turning its focus toward elite universities seen as resistant to new mandates. In the best-known example, but by no means the only one, Harvard University is at risk of losing over $2 billion in federal funding as it seeks to retain the college’s commitment to diversity. The administration is now threatening to revoke additional research dollars if the university refuses to make changes to policies on hiring, admission, and course content.

This financial pressure is pushing institutions to reconsider their admissions policies, research agendas, and partnerships. In the most recent warning, the administration is threatening to revoke the ability of colleges and universities to legally enroll international students if they do not bow to Presidential pressure. Given that many elite colleges enroll up to a quarter of their students from (typically full-paying) global applicants this could be a double blow: loss of federal funds and the loss of high-paying students.

Student Loan and Repayment Policy Changes

The Biden-era SAVE plan, with its monthly repayment limits tied to personal income, has been temporarily blocked. While the previous administration was fighting court cases brought by Republican-led states, the SAVE challenge is being supported by the government, making it increasingly likely that this program is gone for good.

The immediate impact is likely to be dramatically higher monthly repayments for millions. Beyond this, student loan policies are becoming more volatile, creating confusion and stress for millions of borrowers.

Deregulating Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Another under-the-radar shift: deregulation of Career and Technical Education programs. The Department has eliminated most compliance requirements to, in its words, "encourage innovation and reduce bureaucracy."

States such as Texas and Indiana are already fast-tracking new CTE programs with minimal federal oversight. Many see this as a win for workforce development, while critics worry about declining standards and a lack of accountability.

Will Disability Protections Be Next?

As federal structures weaken, I, along with many advocates, are concerned about the future of protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504.

The Department’s Office for Civil Rights plays a vital role in ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate services and accommodations. If enforcement shifts to the state level, there is a real risk of uneven application and reduced protections.

Today, some states and many school districts struggle to meet special education mandates. Without federal oversight, students with disabilities may be left without recourse when their rights are violated.

What Happens to FAFSA and Pell Grants?

With the potential dissolution of the Department of Education, one question looms large: what happens to federal student aid?

Currently, the Department manages the FAFSA system and administers Pell Grants to over 6 million students annually. If these responsibilities are transferred—FAFSA seems set to head to the Small Business Administration (see previous blogs about this disastrous choice)—there could be major disruptions.

Conclusion: The Education System at a Crossroads

While public attention has been focused elsewhere, the Trump administration has set into motion dramatic changes to how American education is structured, funded, and regulated. From eliminating DEI programs and student loan reforms to an outright plan to shutter the Department of Education, these policies are already reshaping the educational landscape.

For independent educational consultants (IECs), college advisors, school counselors, and higher ed professionals, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Bottom line: The future of U.S. education may soon look very different. And we all have a role to play in shaping what comes next.