Trump’s latest executive order to reinstate discipline in schools sparks major debate among parents

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at reinstating stricter discipline policies in U.S. schools, which has sparked significant debate among parents, educators, and civil rights advocates.

This order marks a significant policy shift by ending the use of disparate impact standards, which assess whether disciplinary policies disproportionately affect students of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Overview of the Executive Order

On April 23, 2025, President Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting various aspects of the education system. One of these orders focuses on school discipline, directing the Department of Education to issue new guidance within 60 days that emphasizes behavior-based discipline decisions. This move effectively ends the use of disparate impact standards, which consider the disproportionate effects of disciplinary policies on different racial groups. 

Key Provisions

• Elimination of Disparate Impact Standards: The order revokes guidance that held schools accountable for disciplinary disparities among racial groups, shifting the focus to individual behavior without considering systemic biases.  
• Parental Rights Emphasis: The order underscores the importance of parental rights in education, aligning with the administration’s broader agenda to reduce federal oversight and promote local control.  

Public Reaction

Supporters argue that:

• The previous policies led to leniency that compromised classroom safety and discipline.
• Restoring authority to teachers and administrators will improve the learning environment.

Critics contend that:

• The removal of disparate impact considerations may exacerbate existing racial disparities in school discipline, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino students.  
• The focus on behavior-based discipline without addressing underlying systemic issues may not effectively improve student outcomes.

Conclusion

President Trump’s executive order on school discipline marks a significant shift in federal education policy, emphasizing traditional disciplinary approaches and reducing considerations of systemic disparities. While supporters believe this will restore order and local control, critics warn of potential negative impacts on marginalized student populations. The full effects of this policy change will unfold as the Department of Education develops and implements the new guidance