Trump Orders Stricter Oversight of Colleges and Accreditation Bodies to Combat 'Wokeness'

In a bid to combat what he refers to as “wokeness” in educational institutions, President Donald Trump has enacted a set of executive orders that impose stricter oversight on colleges and the bodies that accredit them. These measures are a part of his broader agenda to challenge the perceived liberal stance of universities that oppose his political views. Among the actions taken, one order mandates tighter adherence to federal laws that compel colleges to reveal any financial affiliations with foreign entities, with a particular emphasis on relations with countries such as China that are viewed unfavorably by the U.S. government. This concern, which gained prominence during Trump's first term, has resurfaced due to ongoing tensions with universities like Harvard, which the White House accuses of neglecting their legal obligations.

The executive order directs the Department of Education and the attorney general to rigorously enforce compliance with Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which stipulates that colleges must disclose any foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000. The goal is to eliminate what the administration describes as a lack of transparency around international funding in American higher education and to guard against what it deems foreign exploitation. This initiative has garnered support from Republicans, including Rep. Tim Walberg, who has voiced concerns over academic partnerships with China potentially jeopardizing research integrity and leading to indoctrination.

Additionally, Trump has called for reform in the accreditation process, criticizing the current system as influenced by “Marxist Maniacs” and vowing to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards imposed by accrediting bodies. These standards are crucial in determining various institutional aspects, including curriculum and governance. Trump's initiatives aim to hold accreditors accountable for any discriminatory practices linked to DEI requirements, instead urging them to prioritize positive student outcomes. The new directive proposes that the pathway for emerging accrediting organizations to gain federal recognition be streamlined and less burdensome, fostering competition within the accrediting landscape. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that the focus should be on enhancing graduation rates and improving graduates’ job performance rather than promoting divisive ideologies within educational frameworks.