Donald Trump ( Picture credit: AP )
Donald Trump has unveiled an aggressive plan to reshape American education, aiming to counter what he describes as skyrocketing tuition costs and left-wing indoctrination in colleges. Central to his vision is a reform of the accreditation system, which he argues has enabled “Marxist” influence to dominate campuses. By firing current accreditors and enforcing new standards that emphasise American values, free speech, and career readiness, Trump proposes to hold institutions accountable, reduce administrative costs, and introduce accelerated, affordable degree options. His plan also includes penalties for schools engaged in discriminatory practices, including potential taxes on endowments to fund restitution for those affected.
- Overhaul of Accreditation System: Trump intends to reject “radical quit” accreditors, accusing them of enabling the education of America’s youth and failing to hold organizations guilty, with a commitment to change them with accreditors focused on traditional British values.
- Promotion of American Tradition and Western Civilization: New approval standards will place a premium on defending” the National tradition and European civilization,” with the goal of ensuring individuals are educated in nationalist rules rather than what he refers to as” Marxist” ideas.
- Free speech safety: Trump proposes that educational institutions support free speech rights, making them a key standard for approval, and challenging what he sees as educational repression.
- Elimination of” Wasteful” Administrative Positions: He targets diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI ) bureaucratic roles, labelling them as” Marxist” and attributing their presence to rising education costs, pledging to eliminate these positions to reduce expenses.
- Accelerated, Low-Cost Degree Options: Trump activists for educational channels that provide accelerated and cheap levels, aiming to make school more economically available for individuals.
- He recommends required university entrance and exit exams in order to demonstrate that students are actually receiving and learning a value education.
- Justice Department Action on” Cultural Discrimination”: He plans to clear the Department of Justice to take action against schools engaging in what he describes as racial discrimination, especially when justified under “equity” activities.
- Taxation and Fines on Non-Compliant Endowments: For colleges continuing “unlawful discrimination”, Trump proposes taxing and potentially fining endowments, threatening hefty financial penalties as a deterrent.
- Restitution for People Who Have Opposed to Discriminatory Policies: He proposes that part of the seized endowment funds be used as restitution for those who have been subject to “illegal and unjust policies” in an effort to restore justice and defame alleged anti-American practices.
- Trump wants colleges to improve job placement and career services, citing the need for taxpayer-funded institutions to prepare students for meaningful employment and ensure the value of their educational investment.
