Trump's Bold Vision for Higher Education: A Conservative Overhaul

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16394352/original/open-uri20241109-17-3a2pvn?1731178913
ICARO Media Group
Politics
09/11/2024 18h52

**Trump Plans Sweeping Overhaul of US Higher Education System**

Donald Trump is preparing to implement a significant transformation of American higher education institutions as he takes office next year. His ambitious agenda aims to shift universities away from what he considers "radical Marxist control" and steer them towards conservative principles, emphasizing "American tradition" and "Western civilization." His approach involves a comprehensive reform of how universities receive funding and design their educational programs.

One of Trump's notable propositions includes the creation of a cost-free "American Academy" dedicated to combating the Woke ideology. Furthermore, he has pledged to deport foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. Additionally, he plans to restrict the federal government's sway over universities and ban transgender students from participating in college sports.

Throughout his campaign, Trump expressed support for allowing police intervention in universities facing protests from Hamas supporters and suggested imposing fines on institutions that fail to act against them. He has also vowed to address antisemitism on college campuses and challenge affirmative action policies. Trump argues that universities should focus on traditional subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, rather than issues related to gender and race. He has threatened to cut funding for schools that educate students about slavery or systemic racism.

Trump's proposals include a complete overhaul of the federal accreditation system, which currently determines how higher education institutions qualify for federal funding. He intends to dismiss current officials, whom he claims are influenced by the "radical left," and establish new bodies that will enforce what he describes as "real standards," emphasizing programs related to "American history and legacy" while better preparing students for the workforce.

The proposed American Academy would accept credits from other institutions and offer degrees aimed at producing "clear employment results," including opportunities within the federal government and its contractors. Trump also plans to address the issue of skyrocketing tuition costs, which have crossed the $100,000-per-year mark, by offering more affordable four-year programs. Moreover, he promises subsidies for technical education and financial support for schools that provide practical, hands-on experience through summer internships.

Trump is also contemplating the long-held Republican goal of closing down the Department of Education. He believes that devolving power to individual states would stimulate competition and improve academic outcomes.

Trump's proposals face significant hurdles in Congress, and their success is currently uncertain. Nevertheless, his return to power is likely to make higher education a contentious issue in the coming years. If implemented, these radical changes could reshape American academia and further exacerbate existing social divisions.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related