As we move beyond the early weeks of the Trump presidency, the precise policy directions for public education remain uncertain. However, by analyzing Project 2025, Agenda 47, and the America First Policy Institute, we can begin to outline the potential blueprint for public schools under this administration. These initiatives hint at a future where public education is reshaped through privatization, school choice expansion, and ideological influence on curricula.
At a recent forum, two voices in the fight for public education, Dr. Carol Burris and I, joined the discussion to dissect the Trump administration’s likely trajectory and explore advocacy strategies to protect and strengthen public education.
Meet the Panelists
Dr. Carol Burris is the Executive Director of the Network for Public Education (NPE), a national organization committed to supporting and improving public education. A former teacher and principal, Dr. Burris has authored three books on educational equity and has received multiple accolades, including the 2013 New York State High School Principal of the Year. Her research and advocacy focus on the consequences of privatization and the importance of equitable public schooling.
🔗 More on Dr. Carol Burris
🔗 Network for Public Education
I am a Professor of Educational Leadership, Technology, and Research at Western Michigan University and a founding board member of the Network for Public Education. I’ve focused on advancing equity in K-12 curriculum, policy, and leadership. My scholarship critically examines school privatization, accountability measures, and the ways policymakers weaponize education to serve ideological agendas.
🔗 Learn more about Dr. Vasquez Heilig
Moderating the discussion was Dr. Sonia Soltero, an expert in bilingual education, educational policy, and leadership.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
📌 Project 2025, Agenda 47, and America First Education Policies
These initiatives suggest a strong push for school vouchers, the expansion of charter schools, and curriculum changes that align with conservative ideologies. The threat to public school funding and the potential politicization of education are significant concerns.
📌 The War on Learning: Political Attacks on Public Education
I discussed in the forum (starting at minute 38) how politicians are actively dismantling public education—through book bans, curriculum restrictions, and policies that marginalize underserved communities. My recent articles have highlights how these actions are not about improving education but about controlling knowledge and limiting access to diverse perspectives.
🔗 Read: The War on Learning
📌 School Choice is Not What It Seems
Dr. Burris emphasized the deceptive framing of school choice, explaining how voucher programs and charter expansion divert public funds from traditional public schools, disproportionately harming low-income students and communities of color.
🔗 Read: School Choice Is Not What It Sounds Like
📌 The Role of Advocacy in Protecting Public Education
The discussion underscored the importance of activism and advocacy in countering these policies. Whether through grassroots organizing, legal challenges, or policy advocacy, educators, parents, and students must actively resist attempts to dismantle public education.
🔗 Protect Our Kids: Advocacy Toolkit
📌 Understanding the Department of Education’s Role
To effectively push back against harmful policies, it’s crucial to understand what the Department of Education actually does and how its functions might be altered under new leadership.
🔗 Read: What Does the Department of Education Actually Do?
What’s Next?
The battle for public education is far from over. With the Trump administration signaling major overhauls to K-12 and higher education, now is the time to stay informed, mobilize, and fight for an equitable education system.
📢 Join the Movement! 💡 Follow Cloaking Inequity for real-time analysis and advocacy resources.
💬 Share your thoughts below in comments: How can we push back against these policy shifts?
✊ Get involved: Support organizations like the Network for Public Education and other advocacy groups working to protect public schools.
Education is a battleground—let’s make sure we are on the right side of history.