President Donald Trump has issued orders aimed at barring U.S. schools from teaching what he identifies as "critical race theory" and other materials related to race and sexuality, under the threat of losing federal funding. In a separate initiative, he announced a comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism on college campuses, pledging to prosecute offenders and revoke the visas of international students deemed to be “Hamas sympathizers” as part of his executive orders signed on Wednesday. These measures seek to satisfy key promises made during his presidency regarding education reform, though the extent of his authority to implement such policies remains in question.

The order concerning K-12 education specifies that federal funds cannot be allocated to any schooling that promotes what he labels as "indoctrination," which includes teachings on "radical gender ideology and critical race theory." The executive directives reference civil rights laws against discrimination based on race and sex, categorizing critical race theory as an "inherently racist policy." Among the examples highlighted within the order are policies from Harrisonburg City Public Schools in Virginia that require teachers to adhere to students’ preferred names and pronouns, and guidance from Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin suggesting the disruption of the gender binary in educational settings.

The Voice of America reported that the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has jurisdiction to investigate complaints regarding civil rights violations and can impose sanctions, although the prospect of total funding withdrawal has historically been rare and must receive judicial approval. Criticism has arisen from various quarters, including Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, who remarked that the administration’s actions perpetuate division and fear within educational environments.

Trump's directive also tasks the education secretary with developing a strategy to eliminate what he terms "indoctrination" within 90 days. Linda McMahon, a billionaire businesswoman known for her wrestling empire, has been appointed as the education chief; however, her Senate confirmation process remains uncertain.

The push aligns with a broader conservative backlash against perceived liberal bias in school curricula. Rising numbers of Republican-led states have enacted laws restricting the teaching of critical race theory or other "divisive concepts" in educational institutions, faced with allegations that such legislation stifles educators and discourages vital discussions about historical and social issues. Trey Walk, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the necessity of providing students with an understanding of how systemic racism is embedded in U.S. society, arguing that denying this knowledge impedes real progress towards equality.

On the other end of the spectrum, Trump’s initiative against antisemitism is framed as a mobilization of federal resources to proactively investigate and sanction conduct deemed harmful or discriminatory on campuses. The strategy includes provisions for deporting individuals who violate laws, particularly those involved in recent pro-Palestinian protests, characterizing such actions as a threat to safety. Notably, civil rights advocates have criticized this stance, asserting that the vast majority of campus protests were peaceful and protected under the right to free speech. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, strongly denounced the characterization of protestors as "pro-jihadist," highlighting that participants represent diverse backgrounds advocating against oppression.

The contentious backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified advocacy and demonstrations on U.S. campuses, leading to significant unrest and over 3,200 arrests related to protests. Following Hamas's attack in October, the Biden administration initiated over 100 investigations into reported incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in educational settings. Simultaneously, Trump's administration has revived the 1776 Commission, aimed at promoting "patriotic education" by framing American history in a light that downplays slavery and civil rights movements. This previously established directive was rescinded by President Biden.

For further details, refer to the full coverage by AP News, CBS News, and Los Angeles Times.