Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies

Purpose and Policy

• The Federal Government aims to ensure safety and order in classrooms.
• Rejects school discipline based on discriminatory equity ideology.
• Historical context:
  • In 2014, a Dear Colleague letter indicated violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act if racial disparities in discipline occurred.
  • This led to schools avoiding necessary discipline to prevent racial disparities, affecting overall safety.
• A 2018 Federal Commission report highlighted negative impacts:
  • Schools became less safe when discipline focused on statistics rather than behavior.
  • School discipline decisions should be based on behavior, not racial statistics.

Rescission and Guidance

• 2014 letter rescinded in 2018 following the Commission's findings.
• In 2023, a new guidance reinstated racial statistical analysis in discipline as a potential indicator of unlawful practices.
  • Resulted in increased classroom disorder and violence.

Definitions

• Applies definitions from the January 29, 2025 Executive Order.
• Behavior Modification Techniques: Any discipline based on discriminatory equity ideology.

Ensuring Common Sense School Discipline Policies

• Actions required within specific timeframes:
  • 30 days: Secretary of Education to issue new guidance on avoiding racial discrimination in school discipline.
  • 60 days: Cooperation with Governors and State Attorneys General on preventing racial discrimination in discipline.
  • 90 days: Secretary of Defense to revise school discipline codes for military families' children.
  • 120 days: A comprehensive report due:
    • Analysis of Title VI discipline-related investigations since 2009.
    • Assess the role of Federal grant recipient non-profits in promoting equity-based discipline.
    • Explore non-discriminatory discipline policies.
    • Model policies that align with American values and virtues.

General Provisions

• The order does not affect existing legal authority or budgetary processes.
• The order is consistent with applicable laws and does not create enforceable rights.

Final Note

• Signed by Donald J. Trump, April 23, 2025.