On April 23, 2025, the White House issued an executive order aimed at reinstating common sense school discipline policies. This order responds to concerns that previous guidance from the Department of Education and Justice may have led to unsafe classroom environments by encouraging schools to avoid disciplinary actions that could result in racial disparities. The new directive emphasizes that discipline should be based on student behavior rather than racial characteristics, with the goal of enhancing safety and educational outcomes in American schools.

The executive order outlines specific actions for the Secretary of Education to take within set timeframes. These actions include issuing new guidance to local educational agencies and assessing past disciplinary practices influenced by equity ideology. The order highlights the importance of protecting students and ensuring that disciplinary measures are fair and objective, free from the influence of race or ethnicity. Furthermore, it seeks to prevent federal funding from supporting programs that promote discriminatory practices in school discipline.

Overall, this initiative aims to create a more effective and safe educational environment by allowing teachers and administrators to make disciplinary decisions based on actual student behavior. The White House’s action reflects a shift towards prioritizing safety and order in schools while addressing the complexities of discipline and equity in education.

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