Latest news with #USDepartmentofEducation
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Duke University under federal scrutiny for alleged discriminatory practices
The US Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into Duke University and its law journal over allegations the school used race and ethnicity as factors in selecting journal members.'This investigation is based on recent reporting alleging that Duke University discriminates on the bases of race, color, and/or national origin by using these factors to select law journal members,' the Education Department said on probe, initiated by the Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), falls under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in programmes receiving federal funding. US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent a joint letter to Duke University leadership, raising alarm over the use of race preferences not only in law journal membership but across admissions, hiring, and scholarship programmes.'If Duke illegally gives preferential treatment to law journal or medical school applicants based on those students' immutable characteristics, that is an affront not only to civil rights law, but to the meritocratic character of academic excellence,' McMahon letter calls for the formation of a 'Merit and Civil Rights Committee' at Duke, tasked with overseeing reforms and working with the federal government to bring policies into compliance. The committee would have delegated authority from Duke's Board of Trustees to implement organizational, leadership, and personnel changes.'Blatantly discriminatory practices that are illegal under the Constitution, antidiscrimination law, and Supreme Court precedent have become all too common in our educational institutions,' McMahon added. 'The Trump Administration will not allow them to continue.'Secretary Kennedy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that federal funds should not support racial preference in healthcare education.'We are making it clear that federal funding must support excellence — not race — in medical education, research, and training,' Kennedy said. 'We're calling on Duke to uphold civil rights and merit-based standards at Duke Health.'Duke University has not yet issued a public response.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why student loan bills are doubling for millions as the SAVE plan ends this August
Millions must switch repayment plans as SAVE student loan relief expires. (AI Image) Millions of federal student loan borrowers across the US are expected to see their monthly repayments double as the Biden-era SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) plan comes to an end. The plan, which allowed interest-free forbearance on repayments, is now effectively defunct following recent policy changes announced by the Trump administration. The SAVE plan had enrolled nearly 7.7 million borrowers, according to the US Department of Education. Many of these borrowers are now required to transition to new repayment plans, most of which result in significantly higher monthly bills. The end of the SAVE programme will particularly affect borrowers who are unable to make payments that cover accruing interest, which resumes from August 1, as announced earlier this month. SAVE plan allowed reduced repayments for millions Under the SAVE plan, introduced during President Biden's term, borrowers were allowed to make payments based on just 5% of their discretionary income. This plan was described as 'incredibly generous' by Scott Buchanan, Executive Director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance, a trade group for federal loan servicers, as reported by NBC News. While legal challenges to the SAVE plan were underway, the Biden administration placed enrolled borrowers in forbearance, which paused mandatory payments and interest accumulation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bangladesh: Dubai Villa Prices Might Be Cheaper Than You Think Villas Dubai | Search Ads Undo However, with the programme now defunct, this interest-free period is set to expire, and borrowers who do not switch to a new plan will begin to see their loan balances grow again. Borrowers advised to switch to income-based repayment plans US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated in a press release, as reported by NBC News, that borrowers in the SAVE programme should 'quickly transition to a legally compliant repayment plan — such as the Income-Based Repayment Plan.' According to NBC News, Buchanan explained that the IBR plan is now the most viable option for most former SAVE enrollees. The IBR plan calculates repayments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income, a substantial increase from the 5% calculation under SAVE. For some borrowers with older loans, the share could rise to 15%. Higher repayment burdens under IBR plans The end of the SAVE plan is likely to impose financial pressure on many borrowers. Nancy Nierman, Assistant Director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York City, told NBC News that many federal student loan borrowers 'simply won't be able to afford the payments under IBR.' Other income-driven repayment plans created by Congress in the 1990s are also expected to be phased out under what President Donald Trump has referred to as his 'big beautiful bill,' as reported by NBC News. These plans typically cap monthly payments at a percentage of discretionary income and cancel remaining debt after 20 or 25 years. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AI in schools just got federal backing, but will US Education Department survive long enough for the change?
The US Department of Education has officially encouraged schools to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) tools in classrooms, releasing detailed guidance this week on how existing federal grants can support AI integration. The move signals a significant policy shift toward digitizing education through personalized learning tools, high-impact tutoring systems, and AI-enabled career counseling platforms. Alongside the guidance, the department also issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register , outlining clear priorities for schools and districts seeking discretionary grant funding for AI projects. These include embedding AI literacy into classroom lessons, supporting dual enrollment opportunities for high school students in AI-related credentials, and using AI to streamline administrative workloads or enhance teacher training. But even as this federal push for AI unfolds, a deeper institutional concern remains unresolved: the Education Department itself may not be around to oversee or sustain this transformation. Technology push, oversight vacuum Earlier this year, the Trump administration dismantled the Office of Educational Technology (OET), the division historically tasked with leading digital learning, edtech strategy, and AI governance in schools. This closure occurred just months before the release of the new AI guidance, leaving a gap in leadership and long-term strategy at a time of rapid technological change. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo At the same time, the administration continues to advance its plan to fully dismantle the USDepartment of Education—a move that raises urgent questions about who will guide the safe, equitable, and effective use of AI in schools if the department ceases to exist. This contradiction—pushing for nationwide AI adoption while scaling back the very infrastructure needed to manage it—has sparked concern across education circles, particularly among district leaders tasked with implementing these changes without federal oversight or support. Cybersecurity, funding, and capacity challenges Beyond AI instruction, districts are also facing rising cybersecurity risks. In 2024, schools applied for over $3.7 billion in funding from the Federal Communications Commission's limited $200 million cybersecurity pilot program, indicating the scale of vulnerability and underfunding in digital safety systems. The closure of federal programs that supported K–12 cybersecurity, along with the elimination of edtech guidance offices, has created significant uncertainty. Many districts previously relied on federal threat intelligence sharing and response services that are no longer available. As AI tools become more embedded in teaching, learning, and administration, the risk of cyberattacks grows—but the support to mitigate those threats has shrunk. What the new AI guidance includes Despite the surrounding policy instability, the Education Department's guidance does offer actionable direction for schools. It encourages the use of AI for: Enhancing curriculum tools and tutoring Training teachers in AI and computer science fundamentals Supporting students with disabilities through adaptive technologies Automating time-consuming administrative tasks Offering students access to industry-recognized credentials in AI The department also laid out five core principles for responsible AI adoption in schools: that initiatives should be educator-led, ethical, accessible, transparent, and compliant with existing data privacy laws. Public comments on the proposed AI priorities are open through August 20, offering an opportunity for educators, school officials, and other stakeholders to influence how federal funds are directed. An unclear future for AI governance in education The Education Department's embrace of AI marks a bold shift in how USclassrooms may operate in the coming years. However, the absence of stable federal leadership—and the real possibility that the agency may be dismantled entirely—casts uncertainty over who will ensure responsible implementation, student safety, and equitable access to these new technologies. As schools move ahead with AI adoption, they may find themselves navigating this shift without the institutional support historically provided by the federal government. Whether that gap will be filled by states, private entities, or new structures remains to be seen. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trump administration to release $5.5 billion in school funds for teachers, migrant children, and ESL programs
The US Department of Education has announced the release of $5.5 billion in federal funding for K–12 education programs across the country. Approved by Congress earlier this year, the funds will begin reaching states next week and are earmarked for teacher recruitment, support for migrant students, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and a range of academic enrichment programs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The funding, distributed through established federal formulas, represents a major annual investment in public school systems that serve millions of vulnerable and underserved students. It is expected to directly impact classrooms, especially in districts facing teacher shortages and increasing linguistic and cultural diversity. What the $5.5 billion will support According to the Education Department, the funds will be directed toward several high-priority areas: Teacher recruitment and training A significant portion of the funds will go toward hiring new teachers and providing professional development for current educators. Many public school districts across the US continue to struggle with staffing gaps, particularly in science, math, special education, and bilingual education. The funding is intended to strengthen the teacher pipeline, especially in rural and urban districts where shortages are most acute. Programs for migrant farmworker children Many schools in agricultural regions serve children whose families move seasonally for work. These students often face disruptions in schooling and limited access to consistent academic support. A dedicated stream of funding will go toward stabilizing education for migrant students, offering tutoring, mobile learning resources, and language support. English as a Second Language (ESL) and multilingual learning With over 5 million English learners enrolled in US public schools, the funding will bolster ESL programs that help students gain English proficiency while keeping pace with core academic subjects. Funds will support specialized instructors, instructional materials, and family engagement initiatives to help non-English-speaking parents stay involved in their children's education. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Academic enrichment, after-school, and summer programs Additional funding will support afterschool tutoring, summer learning academies, and arts and STEM enrichment programs, especially in high-poverty districts. These efforts aim to reduce learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic and support students who require additional academic attention. Federal guidance and administrative oversight A senior administration official noted that the Department of Education has issued internal guidance for the disbursement of the funds and that 'appropriate guardrails' will be in place to ensure compliance with federal law. While the nature of these guardrails has not been specified publicly, the Department emphasized a focus on 'results-oriented spending.' States and school districts will have some flexibility in how they allocate the funds locally, though spending must align with the authorized uses under federal education law, particularly under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Why this funding matters now The $5.5 billion release comes as US public schools face rising operational costs, ongoing educator attrition, and growing student needs—particularly among English learners, low-income families, and transient populations. In several states, superintendents have cited urgency in accessing federal support to maintain or expand services critical to student success. For example, some school systems rely on these funds to hire bilingual aides, offer after-school meals, and run weekend learning programs for children of seasonal workers. Broader implications for education policy This funding release also comes amid a national conversation around the role of federal oversight in education, especially on topics such as curriculum content, student identity, and local governance. While the administration has emphasized accountability in spending, education advocates warn against restricting federal aid based on ideology or policy disagreements. The focus on ESL and migrant education reflects a growing recognition of the changing demographics in US schools, and the need to equip all students with equal opportunities to succeed. What's next for states and districts With the release order in place, state education departments are expected to begin disbursing funds to local districts by early August. Schools will use existing application and reporting frameworks to request and account for the funds. Education leaders nationwide have welcomed the announcement, noting that these programs often serve as a lifeline for high-need students, especially in states with large immigrant or agricultural populations. As the new academic year approaches, the $5.5 billion will be a critical boost to public school systems navigating post-pandemic recovery, shifting cultural debates, and mounting student support needs. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
Reuters
4 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
US government says Virginia school gender policies unlawful
July 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Education on Friday said five school districts in Democratic-leaning northern Virginia were violating federal law by allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and other facilities matching their gender identity. The agency gave the districts which educate about a third of Virginia's public school students, 10 days to agree with its findings or face possible "enforcement actions" by the Department of Justice, the education department said in a statement. The department's action followed an investigation into the districts based on a complaint by the conservative America First Legal Foundation, whose founder is senior White House aide Stephen Miller. "It's time for northern Virginia's experiment with radical gender ideology and unlawful discrimination to come to an end," Craig Trainor, a civil rights official at the education department, said in the statement. In a series of executive orders, Republican President Donald Trump has banned transgender people from serving in the military, barred transgender girls and women from competing in female sports and ordered an end to federal funding for school programs that include 'gender ideology.' Prince William County Public Schools, one of the five districts named, said on its website it was reviewing the agency's conclusions. It and another of the districts, Alexandria City Public Schools, issued separate similar statements saying they were committed to providing safe learning environments for all students. Arlington Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools did not immediately respond to requests for comment. LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, which monitors Trump's administration, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Virginia's Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin has fought to abolish policies at school districts in largely Democratic areas that allow transgender people to be treated according to their gender identity. In a statement, Youngkin said the education department's findings showed "commonsense is back." Among other actions, the education department called on the five school districts to "voluntarily agree" to tell schools that bathroom-access policies must separate students on the basis of sex at birth. Separately, a complaint by another conservative think tank has triggered a U.S. Education Department investigation into Oregon schools for allowing transgender girls to compete in female-only sporting events. The America First Policy Institute, whose former chair is Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, alleged Oregon's Department of Education prohibited schools from excluding transgender athletes, violating federal sex discrimination laws, the federal agency said in a statement. The organization applauded the probe announced on Friday, with executive general counsel Jessica Hart Steinmann saying it was "a vital step toward restoring equal opportunity in women's athletics." Supporters of Trump's ban on transgender girls from female sports believe the action restores fairness. LGBTQ+ advocates say transgender athletes comprise a small minority of school athletes and bans on their participation further stigmatize a vulnerable population. A spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Education declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation filed against the agency by parents of female student athletes.
