Washington Update, March 3, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
As education policies shift and funding battles intensify, the landscape for K-12 schools, higher education, and research institutions is changing rapidly. From sweeping directives targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to major budget cuts affecting federal education funding and scientific research, these developments could have long-term impacts on students, educators, and universities alike.
TED remains committed to keeping you informed and equipping you with the tools to advocate effectively. Below, we break down the latest policy changes, legal challenges, and budget debates shaping the future of education.
As always, we encourage you to stay engaged, join our advocacy efforts, and follow along as we navigate these critical issues together.
1. Education Department Launches Federal Tip Line and DEI Crackdown
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal tip line (EndDEI.Ed.Gov) for reporting alleged discrimination in K-12 schools. The department encourages parents to report concerns related to race- or sex-based discrimination, stating that this will help officials identify potential investigations.
Policy Background: Federal Action Against DEI Programs
This initiative is part of a broader federal push to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in education. Nearly two weeks ago, the department issued a directive warning schools and universities to eliminate race-based admissions, hiring, and student programs or risk losing federal funding. Enforcement measures are expected in the coming days, intensifying debates over the role of diversity policies in education.
K-12 and Higher Education Respond
Some K-12 districts are already adjusting policies in response to the directive:
• Green Bay, WI: The school board removed "inclusion" from job descriptions.
• Akron, OH: Officials are considering repealing DEI policies to avoid funding cuts.
Meanwhile, higher education institutions are pushing back, arguing that DEI programs have been legally established for decades and provide critical student support.
Legal and Policy Implications
The department’s directive cites a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, which stated that race cannot be a factor in admissions, hiring, or scholarships. However, critics argue that the new mandate is vague, lacks legal grounding, and could dismantle long-standing programs.
Some universities, like Ohio State and Colorado State, are already scaling back DEI initiatives due to financial concerns. Others, including teachers’ unions and school districts, are mounting legal challenges, calling the directive an overreach that could limit student support and disrupt campus life.
2. Education Department Offers Buyouts Ahead of Workforce Reduction
The Education Department is offering buyouts of up to $25,000 as part of an anticipated workforce reduction. Employees must decide by Monday night, with payouts taking effect on March 31.
Eligibility & Federal Workforce Impact
Most employees qualify, except those who have recently received certain financial incentives. This follows a government directive requiring agencies to submit layoff and reorganization plans by March 13.
3. Congressional Debate Over Federal K-12 Funding
As the Trump administration considers an executive order to dismantle the Education Department, lawmakers are debating how much federal funding should go to K-12 schools.
Key Issues in the Debate
• Republicans argue increased federal spending hasn’t improved student performance and blame DEI initiatives for shifting focus away from core subjects like reading and math.
• Democrats, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), argue that cuts would harm low-income districts, forcing larger class sizes or shifting costs to property taxes.
House Republicans are considering a $4.7 billion cut to Title I funding, which supports schools serving low-income students. With just over two weeks until a government funding deadline, education remains a central issue in budget negotiations.
4. Teachers’ Union Sues Education Department Over DEI Mandate
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), its Maryland affiliate, and the American Sociological Association have sued the Education Department over its directive to eliminate DEI programs.
Legal Arguments
The lawsuit claims the department’s "Dear Colleague" letter misinterprets the law and oversteps its authority, arguing:
• No federal law bans discussions on race or prohibits DEI efforts.
• The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action applies only to college admissions, not broader educational policies.
Filed in federal court in Baltimore, the suit seeks to block enforcement of the directive, calling it vague and lacking proper congressional or judicial authority.
5. House Republicans Advance Budget with Deep Education Cuts
The House, with only Republican support, has passed a fiscal year 2025 budget resolution requiring committees to propose major education spending cuts by March 27 to offset the $4.5 trillion cost of extending tax cuts.
Education-Specific Cuts
• The Education and Workforce Committee must propose $330 billion in cuts over 10 years, likely targeting:
o Student loan programs
o Pell Grants
o Higher education tax credits
o Taxation of college endowments
The Senate passed its own budget without including tax cuts, meaning Republicans must still negotiate a final version before reconciliation protections apply.
6. Federal Workforce Layoffs & Reorganization
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has ordered federal agencies to submit layoff and reorganization plans by March 13. Agencies must identify areas for large-scale workforce reductions by September 30, with some discussions about eliminating the Department of Education altogether.
7. Trump Administration Targets University Research Funding
A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to cut billions from National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants, which help universities cover expenses like lab maintenance and administrative support.
Proposed NIH Cuts & Legal Battle
The administration planned to cap indirect cost reimbursements at 15%, down from the current 27% average—with some institutions, like Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins, receiving over 60%.
While the court ruling delays the cuts, the administration may renegotiate funding on a case-by-case basis, potentially weakening research institutions nationwide.
Bipartisan Concerns Over Impact
Both Democrats and Republicans have pushed back, warning that public and private universities will suffer. Schools like San Francisco State University, already facing budget shortfalls, may struggle to continue vital research.
The cuts align with Project 2025, a conservative policy plan that calls for reducing federal research funding.
Final Thoughts
With legal battles, budget negotiations, and major policy shifts on the horizon, the coming weeks will be critical for education funding, DEI policies, and research grants. The TED Policy Committee will continue tracking developments and advocating for policies that support students, educators, and research institutions.
Until next time—see you on X!
Follow the TED Policy Committee on Instagram @cec_ted_policy
Kait
@brennan_kait
