U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced measures aimed at addressing antisemitism within elite universities such as Harvard and Columbia, underscoring the administration's stance on the issue during a recent television appearance.
The new policies set forth by McMahan involve both federal funding cuts and potential structural changes to the Department of Education, as the Daily Caller reports.
During an appearance on Fox Business this past Friday, McMahon shed light on the Trump administration's ongoing strategies to counteract antisemitism.
Speaking on Kudlow, McMahon shared significant developments, including the Department of Education's decision to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from its contracts and grants. This aligns with a broader effort to review university policies and practices related to antisemitism.
The secretary highlighted that investigations have been initiated at five prominent universities, including both Harvard University and Columbia University. These investigative efforts are part of a comprehensive action plan to ensure institutions comply with federal regulations.
As McMahon articulated, there is an expectation that universities maintain an environment fostering freedom of expression and open dialogue, without resorting to violence.
The decision to cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University marks a significant action by the administration. This move was in response to pro-Hamas demonstrations and reports of violent incidents at Barnard College, specifically at the Milstein Center. The situation escalated with the New York Police Department arresting nine individuals involved in these activities.
In another bold move, President Donald Trump announced intentions to dissolve the Department of Education. This plan would require support from Congress and represents another significant shift in educational oversight. Discussions are ongoing about the future of student loan management, with options to potentially transfer these responsibilities to other entities.
During her interview, McMahon sharply criticized the inefficiencies she perceives in the Education Department. She expressed dissatisfaction with the nation’s declining educational performance despite substantial financial investments since the department's inception in 1980.
Adding to the arsenal of measures to combat antisemitism, a federal task force is actively examining federal grants, contracts, and commitments. According to Harrison Fields, the task force is contemplating stop work orders for contracts exceeding $50 million while also reviewing more than $5 billion in existing grants. This extensive scrutiny is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that federally funded programs align with government standards.
Conversations with various stakeholders are in progress as McMahon plans to meet with Treasury chief Scott Bessent regarding the potential reallocation of student loan responsibilities. She expressed skepticism about the current system, indicating a belief that the Department of Education may not be suited to handle these functions.
McMahon's discourse touched upon the broader implications of these efforts to reshape educational policy and funding structures.
“We are clearly not doing something right,” she commented, noting the decline in performance despite extensive funding allocations. This sentiment reflects ongoing debates about the efficacy and priorities of federal educational policies.
