“Back to school” felt different this year—and for good reason. Under President Trump, federal influence over our education system is finally shifting away from the divisive policies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and returning to focus on what really matters: learning, merit, and fitness.
Trump has issued executive orders requiring schools to eliminate DEI programs or risk losing federal funding. Public K-12 schools must certify that they no longer have DEI policies; universities face cuts if they won’t comply. Big name institutions—like Michigan and Columbia—have begun scaling back DEI centers, worried about the loss of federal support. In states governed by Republicans—Texas, Florida, Kansas—DEI programs have already been ended in line with state laws. However, this push has not come without resistance. Many blue states rushed to court—and on August 14, Judge Stephanie Gallagher blocked the Department of Education’s letters demanding DEI removal, citing the scale of change as unprecedented. But for conservatives, this “sea change” in how education is regulated is exactly what is needed.
Texas is taking more action: effective September 1, DEI is prohibited in public schools, and parents must be notified if their child asks to be referred to by a different pronoun. The state also bans school clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And Texas has passed a large school voucher program—$10,000 per student for private school, $2,000 for homeschoolers—to begin in fall 2026. Contrast that with Illinois, where the state is lowering proficiency standards in subjects like reading, math, and science—raising concerns that students will be pushed through without sufficient skills. Even the Chicago Tribune has criticized this move, calling it “lowering the bar.”
Trump is also restoring a physical fitness test that was removed under President Obama. The test gives students the chance to demonstrate pushups, sit-ups, running—basic measures of health and strength. Restoring fitness, discipline, and individual achievement are essential to education. We face serious problems—childhood obesity, young adults unfit for military service, chronic absenteeism. But the return of the Presidential Fitness Test points toward a return to accountability, standards, and excellence in education. It’s about making schools great again—by focusing on what truly builds strong children, capable citizens, and a strong America.
If you want to know how to track what’s happening in your school district, and be a part of fixing the problems, Eagle Council 54 is the place you want to be! Visit PhyllisSchlafly.com today to find out how to join us in St. Louis on November 1st. That’s Phyllis Schlafly dot com. Thank you, and join us for the next Phyllis Schlafly Report.
This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/family/education/making-schools-great-again-thanks-to-trump-2/
Phyllis Schlafly