Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies

• The Federal Government will no longer tolerate risks to children's safety in classrooms from school discipline based on discriminatory “equity” ideology.
• The 2014 "Dear Colleague" letter, which prompted schools to adopt race-based discipline practices, is criticized for making schools less safe.
• A 2018 report noted that schools avoided disciplining misconduct to prevent racial disparity in discipline statistics, leading to increased classroom disorder.
• Disciplinary decisions should focus on individual student behavior, not racial statistics, as concluded by the Federal Commission on School Safety.
• The 2014 letter was rescinded, but 2023 guidance reintroduced race-based disciplinary practices, causing more classroom disorder.

Actions Ordered:

• 30 Days: Secretary of Education to issue new guidance on school discipline to prevent racial discrimination under Title VI.
• Immediate Action: Secretary of Education to act against institutions not complying with Title VI protections.
• 60 Days: Coordination with Governors and State Attorneys General on preventing racial discrimination in school discipline.
• 90 Days: Secretary of Defense to issue a revised discipline code for military-service families.
• 120 Days: Secretary of Education to submit a report including:
  • Analysis of past Title VI investigations.
  • Assessment of non-profits promoting discriminatory discipline and recommendations.
  • Evaluation of alternative discipline policies.
  • Model policies promoting safety and American values, free from discrimination.

Notes:

• The order does not limit the authority of executive departments or agencies.
• Implementation is subject to applicable law and funding availability.
• The order does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. or its entities.