Former U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to reduce federal funding for schools and universities that allow so-called ‘illegal’ protests, in a new bid to transform the American education system. At a campaign rally, Trump reaffirmed his tough line against what he terms “radical activism” on campuses.
Trump’s comments come after an upsurge of protests led by students regarding issues from immigration policies to foreign war, many of which have also been cracked down on. Without mentioning specific kinds of protests he has deemed illegal, his comments have shown a wider campaign to regulate political expression at schools.
Its detractors contend that such an action would hurt constitutional freedoms, specifically freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Education officials and civil rights groups caution that withholding federal funds might have catastrophic results for millions of students, particularly public school and college students reliant on government funding.
With the 2024 election cycle heating up, Trump’s education policies are set to continue being a flashpoint for political disputes. His recent threats indicate a dramatic overhaul of federal education funding on his return to the presidency, further entrenching disputes on free speech and government control in schools.
