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ECP NEWSLETTER HEADLINES
65% of Gen Z Concerned Over AI Consider Switch to Trade Career
Gen Z workers are questioning the value of college, rethinking corporate paths, and increasingly considering hands-on, AI-resistant careers.
Judge sends ChatGPT-using lawyer to AI school with $5,500 fine after he’s caught creating imaginary caselaw: ‘Any lawyer unaware that using generative AI platforms to do legal research is playing with fire is living in a cloud’
Trump Just Released His Plan to Revoke Birthright Citizenship. It’s Worse Than Imagined.
ChatGPT gets ‘study mode’ to guide students without spoon-feeding answers
Trump revives the Presidential Fitness Test, a rite of passage for schoolchildren for decades
U.S. Department of Education Newsletter – July 2025
University of Pennsylvania enters into a Resolution Agreement to Resolve its Title IX Violations
On July 1st, the University of Pennsylvania entered into a resolution agreement to comply with Title IX. At a White House event that afternoon, Secretary McMahon and several female athletes and Administration officials celebrated UPenn’s promise to restore all swimming records, titles, or similar recognitions that were wrongly awarded based on the university’s former policy. UPenn promised to issue public and personal apologies to all those affected and conform with the law going forward. This outcome is a testament to the Department’s efforts in upholding federal civil rights law.
The Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor Implement Workforce Development Partnership
On July 14th, the Supreme Court of the United States of America granted an emergency stay in McMahon v. New York that enabled, among other actions, the completion of the Department’s 2025 Reduction in Force. It also opened the door to implementing the Department’s workforce development partnership with the Department of Labor. DOL will take on a greater role in administering the adult education and family literacy programs funded under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and career and technical education (CTE) programs funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V). This partnership gives states central points of contact in the federal government and reduces bureaucratic redundancy.
Two Additional Sub-Cabinet Appointees Advance
On July 24th, the Senate HELP Committee officially advanced two U.S. Department of Education sub-cabinet nominees: Dr. David Barker to serve as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education and Mary Christina Riley to serve as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs. These two are the final nominees to need committee approval. They now await a full confirmation vote on the Senate floor. Barker most recently has served on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities, focusing on cost control, academic freedom, and eliminating DEI programs. Riley is a former staffer for Education and Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, and worked on higher education issues in the Department under the first Trump Administration.
Columbia University Reaches Settlement with Trump Administration
On July 23, the Trump Administration announced a historic settlement with Columbia University, establishing a precedent for higher education institutions. As part of the settlement, Columbia will pay $200 million to address violations of federal civil rights laws and restructure its faculty senate to ensure the disciplinary process is carried out properly. The university will also fully comply with foreign funding reporting requirements and President Trump’s initiatives to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. Additionally, a new Senior Vice Provost for Middle Eastern Studies will be appointed to promote accurate, fact-based education on this region. This settlement serves as a benchmark for other universities in Secretary McMahon’s pursuit of fairness in higher education and compliance with federal law.
July Action Timeline
July 1: Department enters into Resolution Agreement with UPenn regarding Title IX violations.
July 2: Negotiated Rulemaking Session concludes to Restore Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
July 4: The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act is signed into law
July 8: Launched Title VI Investigation into Connetquot Central School District over Native American logo ban.
July 9: ED and HHS notify Harvard’s accreditor of Title VI violation.
July 10: Department ends taxpayer subsidization of postsecondary education for illegal aliens.
July 10: Opened Title VI Investigation into George Mason University.
July 14: SCOTUS rules in favor of the Trump Administration allowing a reduction in force.
July 15: Workforce Development Partnership IAA with Department of Labor is implemented.
July 15: Launched foreign funding investigation into the University of Michigan.
July 18: Announced Project SERV Grant to support Texas communities impacted by flooding.
July 18: Announced immediate implementation of higher education provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.
July 23: Opened investigations into five universities for alleged exclusionary scholarships preferencing foreign-born students.
July 23: Columbia University agrees to pay $200 million and establish new data reporting requirements to settle grievances over violations of federal law.
July 24: Announced two Negotiated Rulemaking committees to implement President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
July 25: Launched Title IX Investigation into the Oregon Department of Education.
July 25: Found five Northern Virginia school districts in violation of Title IX.
July 28: ED and HHS deliver a letter requesting compliance with nondiscrimination law from Duke University and Duke Law Journal.
July 29: Sent a letter to chief state school officers inviting them to use the flexible options provided by the ESEA and to seek waivers from its burdensome requirements.
President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
K12 Education is a For Profit Business
FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FEEDS THE BUSINESS OF K12 EDUCATION
https://edu-cyberpg.com/k12-Dept-of-Edu-is-a-business.htmlK12 Education Policy
K12 FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FAILURE
https://edu-cyberpg.com/K12-Education-Policy.html
July 30: Brown University reaches agreement with Trump Administration to uphold federal civil rights law.
July 31: Approved Missouri’s pilot innovative assessment program.
July Agency Rulemaking
This month, the Department has initiated a slate of policy changes to help American college students achieve their highest potential – and to protect them from low-value college programs.
On July 18, 2025, the Department released a “Dear Colleague Letter” announcing immediate changes to the Federal Student Loan Program pursuant to the reforms in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). These changes expand Income Based Repayment (IBR) eligibility by removing the partial financial hardship requirement and allow borrowers with consolidation loans that repaid Parent PLUS Loans to enroll.
Future updates, effective for the 2026-27 academic year, will proportionally reduce loan amounts for part-time students end the Biden-era Borrower Defense to Repayment and Closed School Loan Discharge. The new income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan will be available to borrowers by July 1, 2026.
For more information, you can read the DCL here.
Additionally, the Department rescinded parts of a Dear Colleague letter from the Clinton Administration that enabled non-qualified illegal aliens to access federal public benefits in career, technical, and adult education programs. This update is a major step in not only ensuring educational benefits go only to American students, but also ending a magnet for illegal immigration.
Lastly, by implementing a new Interagency Agreement between ED and DOL, the two departments are committing to reduce red tape and provide American students with the best technical education possible. DOL will be more involved in adult education and family literacy programs funded under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and career and technical education (CTE) programs. ED will still retain oversight over these programs, and will provide states with additional guidance in the coming weeks as these changes are implemented.
The OBBB and School Choice
The OBBB included a $5 billion school choice tax credit scholarship. This credit will make it possible for families to transfer their children from failing schools and access the best possible education. Student success is a core component of President Trump and Secretary McMahon’s vision for an educated America.
How it works: Individuals can donate up to $1,700 per year to state-approved, federally recognized scholarship-granting organization. For every dollar donated, donors receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Families who make under 300% their area’s median gross income are eligible. This program is not only cost effective for families, but also allows them to ensure their child is receiving an education tailored to them.
States will decide whether to join this program. If they participate, they will provide residents with a list of approved scholarship-granting organizations. Continue to monitor state communications and look for more updates as this program kicks off in January of 2027.
News from the States
Maine University System Approves Accelerated Degree Programs
The University of Maine System has approved four new 90-credit hour bachelor’s degree programs. These reduced-credit programs will allow students to move more quickly out of the classroom and into the workforce, filling necessary roles for Maine’s local industries.
Florida Creates New ‘Ideology-Free’ College Accreditor
The State University System’s Board of Governors has approved a plan for a new accrediting agency. This new agency is backed by six other neighboring southern states, with Louisiana being the most recent addition. This new accreditor will serve as a test case for reforms to accreditation being made at the Department through the negotiated rulemaking process.
Alaska K-3 Students Improve in Reading, State Assessment Shows
Alaska has seen dramatic increases in reading proficiency with the implementation of the Science of Reading. This form of literary instruction focuses on phonics, fluency and comprehension. This school year alone saw a 16% uptick in K-3 students reading at the nationally defined benchmark level.
Over Half of States Provide AI Guidance for Schools
28 states and the District of Columbia have issued guidance on AI in the classroom. These guidelines reflect a parallel interest on the state and federal level, where President Trump recently signed an executive order on AI in education, to integrate and innovate with this new technology.
North Carolina Passes Bill to Participate in Federal School Choice Tax Credit
On July 30th the North Carolina State Legislature passed HB 87. This bill allows the state of North Carolina to opt into the federal school choice tax credit program passed under the One Big Beautiful Bill. This landmark passage in both the Senate and the House sets a precedent for other states to give options for families in ensuring their students educational success.
Homeroom Blog: Partnering with the Department of Labor to Create a National Skills Currency
July Agency Rulemaking
This month, the Department has initiated a slate of policy changes to help American college students achieve their highest potential – and to protect them from low-value college programs.
On July 18, 2025, the Department released a “Dear Colleague Letter” announcing immediate changes to the Federal Student Loan Program pursuant to the reforms in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). These changes expand Income Based Repayment (IBR) eligibility by removing the partial financial hardship requirement and allow borrowers with consolidation loans that repaid Parent PLUS Loans to enroll.
Future updates, effective for the 2026-27 academic year, will proportionally reduce loan amounts for part-time students end the Biden-era Borrower Defense to Repayment and Closed School Loan Discharge. The new income-driven Repayment Assistance Plan will be available to borrowers by July 1, 2026.
For more information, you can read the DCL here.
Additionally, the Department rescinded parts of a Dear Colleague letter from the Clinton Administration that enabled non-qualified illegal aliens to access federal public benefits in career, technical, and adult education programs. This update is a major step in not only ensuring educational benefits go only to American students, but also ending a magnet for illegal immigration.
Lastly, by implementing a new Interagency Agreement between ED and DOL, the two departments are committing to reduce red tape and provide American students with the best technical education possible. DOL will be more involved in adult education and family literacy programs funded under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and career and technical education (CTE) programs. ED will still retain oversight over these programs, and will provide states with additional guidance in the coming weeks as these changes are implemented.
The OBBB and School Choice
The OBBB included a $5 billion school choice tax credit scholarship. This credit will make it possible for families to transfer their children from failing schools and access the best possible education. Student success is a core component of President Trump and Secretary McMahon’s vision for an educated America.
How it works: Individuals can donate up to $1,700 per year to state-approved, federally recognized scholarship-granting organization. For every dollar donated, donors receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Families who make under 300% their area’s median gross income are eligible. This program is not only cost effective for families, but also allows them to ensure their child is receiving an education tailored to them.
States will decide whether to join this program. If they participate, they will provide residents with a list of approved scholarship-granting organizations. Continue to monitor state communications and look for more updates as this program kicks off in January of 2027.
News from the States
Maine University System Approves Accelerated Degree Programs
The University of Maine System has approved four new 90-credit hour bachelor’s degree programs. These reduced-credit programs will allow students to move more quickly out of the classroom and into the workforce, filling necessary roles for Maine’s local industries.
Florida Creates New ‘Ideology-Free’ College Accreditor
The State University System’s Board of Governors has approved a plan for a new accrediting agency. This new agency is backed by six other neighboring southern states, with Louisiana being the most recent addition. This new accreditor will serve as a test case for reforms to accreditation being made at the Department through the negotiated rulemaking process.
Alaska K-3 Students Improve in Reading, State Assessment Shows
Alaska has seen dramatic increases in reading proficiency with the implementation of the Science of Reading. This form of literary instruction focuses on phonics, fluency and comprehension. This school year alone saw a 16% uptick in K-3 students reading at the nationally defined benchmark level.
Over Half of States Provide AI Guidance for Schools
28 states and the District of Columbia have issued guidance on AI in the classroom. These guidelines reflect a parallel interest on the state and federal levECP NetHappenings What A Messel, where President Trump recently signed an executive order on AI in education, to integrate and innovate with this new technology.
North Carolina Passes Bill to Participate in Federal School Choice Tax Credit
On July 30th the North Carolina State Legislature passed HB 87. This bill allows the state of North Carolina to opt into the federal school choice tax credit program passed under the One Big Beautiful Bill. This landmark passage in both the Senate and the House sets a precedent for other states to give options for families in ensuring their students educational success.
Homeroom Blog: Partnering with the Department of Labor to Create a National Skills Currency
By Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
A student with a welding certificate from his local vocational school wants to apply for an auto repair sales job. But the job description requires automotive experience or an industry-recognized credential—and the employer isn’t confident that welding skills will translate to auto repair. In fact, the employer isn’t sure how to translate many of his applicants’ skills and qualifications for this position: night classes in engineering, an online sales course, an electrician apprenticeship.
This is America’s workforce challenge in a nutshell. Students and employers face a jigsaw puzzle of classes, trainings, certificates, and postsecondary pathways where pieces rarely fit, leaving talent untapped and opportunities out of reach.This month, Lindsey Burke, Ph.D., Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs at the Department, joined a roundtable discussion hosted by the America First Policy Institute.
The event, moderated by Erika Donalds, Chair of Education Opportunity, included educational leaders from across the nation. Burke spotlighted the Department’s work to bring President Trump and Secretary McMahon’s vision for educational excellence to life, focusing on key priorities like school choice, returning education to the states, and boosting literacy.
They also touched on recent education-related achievements, like the School Choice tax credit that President Trump recently signed into law. This roundtable was an excellent opportunity to highlight the Department’s approach to putting students and quality education first, rather than bureaucracy and government inefficiency.
The Presidential AI Challenge is a national challenge where K-12 youth, educators, mentors, and community teams come together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions, with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level.
Registration opens this September, and submissions are due January of 2026. State Champions will be announced in March, followed by Regionals in April. The challenge will culminate in a National Final in Washington, D.C., in June of 2026.
The Office of Postsecondary Education has announced it will commence two negotiated rulemaking sessions in order to implement President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) higher education provisions, as well as other Administration priorities.
The Department will create a Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee to address federal student loan-related changes. The RISE Committee will have five-day sessions in September and November.
The Department will also create an Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee to address Workforce Pell, institutional and programmatic accountability, and other issues. The AHEAD Committee will have five-day sessions in December and January.
The Department will host one virtual public hearing on August 7, 2025. In addition, the Department will accept written comments that must be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov. For more details on the 2025-2026 negotiated rulemaking process, visit the Department’s Negotiated Rulemaking website.
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