Weekly Update 8/18/2025
President and Administration:
Federal judge declares Education Department’s attempt to bar diversity programs unlawful: A federal judge in Maryland struck down the Trump administration’s attempts to require schools to comply with a conservative interpretation of federal anti-discrimination law. The ruling vacates a February 14th Education Department letter prohibiting schools from considering…
Bondi seeks to rescind D.C. police immigration policies as enforcement ramps up: The administration signaled on August 14th that it would use its takeover of the D.C. police to intensify federal immigration enforcement. The move comes amid rapid policy shifts, with…
In reversal, FEMA won’t deny grants to cities that boycott Israeli firms: The administration reversed a policy that would have barred states and cities from receiving FEMA grants if they enacted boycotts against Israeli companies. Earlier guidance linked FEMA funding to compliance…
Latino GOP Lawmakers voice concern about Trump’s mass deportation campaign: Hispanic Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are warning that President Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts could alienate Latino voters, threatening GOP gains from 2024. As Texas Republicans redraw congressional maps to bolster their party’s chances in the 2026…
Teen suicidal thoughts and depression decline, federal report finds: A new federal analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts among U.S. teens have declined between 2021 and 2024. Serious suicidal thoughts among 12-to-17-year-olds fell from nearly 13 percent to 10 percent, while suicide attempts dropped…
Congress:
The unusual GOP alliance pushing earmarks in this fall’s funding fight: House Republicans are weighing the return of earmarks, rebranded as “community project funding,” as a way to break a looming budget impasse before federal funding expires on Sept. 30. Vulnerable incumbents in the business-friendly Main Street Caucus and some fiscal conservatives, including Freedom Caucus…
California:
What to know about the California Democrats’ redistricting plan: On Friday, 8/15, California Democrats finalized their plan to take five GOP House seats next year by redrawing the state’s congressional lines. The new lines, which voters would need to approve in…
Education:
NACSA & CLE &Vimenti: Education Department eyes special education in school choice expansion: At the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs’ annual conference, Diana Diaz-Harrison, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services…
Administration pursues gradual dismantling of Education Department: Republicans are exploring a piecemeal approach to fulfilling the President’s campaign promise to abolish the Education Department, rather than attempting an immediate shutdown. The President issued an executive order in March instructing Secretary Linda McMahon to “facilitate” the closure, and she has reduced…
Fears grow that Trump will cut special education support funding: Advocates warn that the administration may soon cut hundreds of millions of dollars in federal special education grants under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which fund research, teacher training, technology development, and parent support services. While core IDEA funding that flows directly to schools remains intact…
Judge rules that Trump can’t defund education research programs: A federal judge in Maryland ruled that the Education Department cannot terminate funding for two congressionally mandated programs—the Comprehensive Centers and Regional Educational Laboratories—that conduct research to reduce achievement gaps. The decision blocks an administration move to end the programs…