Trump targets Harvard, diversity policies in sweeping crackdown on colleges and accreditors

President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping assault on what he calls ideological overreach in American education, issuing executive orders that target foreign funding, diversity mandates, and the role of accreditors. The latest move escalates his broader campaign to recast the nation's education system ahead of the 2024 elections.

One of the key directives focuses on tightening enforcement of federal rules requiring colleges to disclose substantial foreign gifts. This comes amid friction between the White House and Harvard University over its handling of diversity initiatives and pro-Palestinian protests. The Department of Education recently accused Harvard of filing “incomplete and inaccurate” foreign funding reports spanning the last ten years.

The order calls on the Education Department and the Attorney General to act against violators, including the potential suspension of federal funding, citing the need for transparency to counter foreign influence and safeguard national interests.

Another executive order zeroes in on accrediting agencies, which Trump accused of prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards over academic outcomes. The directive warns that agencies promoting DEI criteria in college accreditation could face suspension or termination. Instead, Trump called for a focus on graduation rates and job-market readiness.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon backed the changes, stressing that accreditors must shift away from ideological benchmarks and concentrate on measurable student success. The administration also aims to reduce bureaucratic delays in recognising new accrediting bodies, a process that currently takes years.

A third measure rolls back school discipline reforms shaped by equity concerns. Trump’s order urges a return to policies based strictly on student behaviour and prohibits the use of “disparate impact” legal standards in federal decision-making. These standards are often used to challenge discipline practices that disproportionately affect students of colour, regardless of intent.

McMahon has been tasked with releasing new school discipline guidelines within 60 days. The White House also announced plans to scrutinise nonprofit organisations advocating for equity-driven policies, with the aim of cutting off federal funds where applicable.

In a contrasting move, the administration introduced a federal task force to promote artificial intelligence training in schools, starting as early as kindergarten. The orders also call for expanded private-sector partnerships to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), especially in tech and finance training.