Donald Trump is facing criticism after withdrawing millions of dollars in funding due to the government’s position on a specific issue.
Since assuming office, Trump has been notably outspoken on this matter, even going as far as to revamp his entire team because of it.
From banning certain symbols to removing workplace incentives, Trump has taken significant actions…and now, he’s focusing on schools that don’t align with his policies.
The subject in question involves Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity, as well as transgender rights.
The US Department of Education has retracted millions in funding from the Chicago Public Schools’ ‘Magnet Schools Assistance Program’. This decision follows claims by the Trump Administration that CPS failed to do away with the Black Student Success Plan and did not prohibit transgender students from using restrooms or participating in sports according to their gender identity.
CPS was expecting an $8 million contribution from the government, and the lack of these funds will impact schools, according to CPS officials who communicated with ABC7 Chicago.
The White House has been threatening to cut federal funding over the Success plan, arguing that it discriminates against others and breaches the Civil Rights Act.
Earlier this year, a complaint alleged that CPS was employing the program to discriminate based on race.
“The investigation is still ongoing, but the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education recently sent a letter to the school district, indicating that they believe the plan discriminates against students of other races. This references a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibits affirmative action in college admissions and demands the district eliminate the initiative entirely,” said Mila Koumpilova, a senior reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, according to CBS.
People online have voiced strong opinions about the funding withdrawal, with many labeling it as a tactic that negatively impacts students.
One individual on X commented: “That’s less ‘education policy’ and more straight-up culture war with kids caught in the crossfire. Do you think schools should ever have to bend like that for funding?”
Another remarked: “Trump cutting school funds like it’s a reality show elimination.. drama first, students second.”
Another critic said: “Ah yes, funding schools based on bathroom policies and sports participation surely that’s how you fix education.”
The Program focuses on initiatives such as increasing the number of Black male educators, educating students about Black history and culture, and reducing disciplinary actions against Black students, such as expulsions.
The federal government is also threatening to withhold funding from schools over CPS policies concerning transgender students.
Koumpilova mentioned that these CPS policies were the subject of an investigation by the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Education, which included the Deerfield Public School District 109 and the Illinois State Board of Education.
“The same letter from the Office for Civil Rights stated that it believes the district’s guidelines, which allow transgender students to use facilities based on their gender identity, violate Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination,” Koumpilova explained. “Thus, the federal government, under the Trump administration, is demanding that the district revoke these guidelines.”
Koumpilova noted that CPS defended its policies for transgender students as being mandated by state law.
This scenario parallels the Black Student Success Plan, which was under scrutiny by Parents Defending Education, a Virginia-based conservative group, for racial discrimination.
UNILAD reached out to the White House for comment.