Trump to Sign Order Limiting Student Loan Forgiveness
President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that will bar student loan forgiveness for employees of organizations deemed “anti-American.” The order directs the Department of Education to modify the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to exclude workers at groups promoting illegal immigration, terrorism, child abuse, discrimination, and public disorder. Since its expansion in 2021, the PSLF has forgiven $78.5 billion in student debt for over a million borrowers. The administration argues that the program’s scope has extended beyond its original intent. nypost.com
Education Department Buyouts and Restructuring
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that over 300 Department of Education employees accepted a $25,000 buyout as part of efforts to reduce the federal workforce and eliminate waste. This move aligns with President Trump’s goal to dismantle the department, emphasizing parental roles in education and removing divisive DEI programs. While a timeline for the department’s closure requires Congressional approval, concerns arise over potential impacts on student outcomes due to substantial budget cuts. marketwatch.com+2businessinsider.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
Arizona Universities Rename Graduation Events Amid Federal Mandates
Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have renamed their graduation ceremonies for diverse student groups from “convocations” to “celebrations.” This change responds to federal mandates under President Trump aiming to eliminate DEI programs, with the risk of losing federal funding for non-compliance. While the new names suggest less formal events, the ceremonies’ content remains largely unchanged. Conversely, Maricopa Community Colleges have canceled all such ceremonies to adhere strictly to Department of Education directives. axios.com
