Former President Donald Trump’s April 2025 executive order, Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies, has sparked major debate among parents and educators.
The order reverses Obama- and Biden-era guidance that emphasized equity in school discipline, particularly for students of color.
Trump’s directive seeks to base disciplinary policies on “objective behavior,” rejecting what it calls “discriminatory equity ideology.” Supporters argue it restores classroom order and local control, while critics warn it could worsen racial disparities and revive the school-to-prison pipeline.
Civil rights advocates claim the move undermines protections for marginalized students. The order has drawn praise from conservative groups like Moms for Liberty, but others fear increased punitive measures.
Details on what constitutes “discipline” remain vague, fueling concerns over how schools will implement the policy.
