Washington: US President Donald Trump has enacted executive orders that target critical race theory and antisemitism on college campuses, aiming to change the way educational institutions handle discussions on race, sexuality, and discrimination. One key order mandates that federal funding be withheld from schools teaching what Trump describes as "critical race theory" and other materials tied to issues of race and sexuality. The order seeks to halt what Trump refers to as the “indoctrination” of students, including the teaching of what he calls “radical gender ideology.” Additionally, the executive order stresses the application of civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race and gender to enforce this ban.
“The federal government will not permit taxpayer dollars to support the indoctrination of students with radical beliefs,” Trump declared. Critics, however, argue that the executive order suppresses necessary discussions about race and systemic inequality. Trey Walk, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, commented, "Students have a right to learn how discrimination is embedded in law and society."
Efforts to address antisemitism on college campuses
In a separate move, Trump unveiled a plan to address antisemitism on college campuses, pledging to take action against those found engaging in hate crimes and to revoke visas for international students identified as “Hamas sympathizers.” The order calls on federal agencies to focus resources on investigating antisemitic incidents and prosecuting individuals involved in hate-related crimes or vandalism, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“We will defend law and order, prevent pro-Hamas vandalism, and confront anti-Jewish racism in left-wing, anti-American colleges and universities,” Trump stated. This initiative has faced criticism from civil rights organizations, which argue that the order incorrectly conflates peaceful campus protests with terrorism. Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, criticized the order for labeling protesters as “pro-jihadist” or “pro-Hamas.”
Growing emphasis on education and protests
Tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict have led to numerous campus protests, especially those supporting Palestinian causes. Trump's order aligns with the Biden administration's efforts to address both antisemitism and Islamophobia at US schools in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.
Additionally, Trump's administration reinstated the 1776 Commission, a body aimed at promoting “patriotic education” in schools, reversing Biden’s decision to disband it. The commission’s earlier guidelines were criticized for minimizing the impact of slavery and civil rights struggles in American history.