The year 2025 brought a whirlwind of controversies and changes to the world of education, with President Trump at the forefront, leaving an indelible mark on higher education and beyond. From funding battles to immigration crackdowns, and even the dismantling of the Education Department, this year's education news was anything but ordinary.
The Battle for Higher Education: Trump's Crusade
Trump's administration waged a relentless war against higher education institutions, pulling federal funding and demanding institutional reforms. The justification? Allegations of antisemitism and a push for conservative priorities, including the elimination of diversity initiatives. Columbia University became the first casualty, agreeing to a $200 million settlement and policy changes to regain funding. Education Secretary Linda McMahon saw this as a template for other universities, but not all institutions were willing to concede so easily.
Immigration Crackdown: A Surprise for Students
Trump's tough stance on immigration extended to international and undocumented students, with a surprising crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists. Multiple students were arrested and faced deportation, their lives upended. The case of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia student and pro-Palestinian leader, became a symbol of this new policy, with his detention causing him to miss the birth of his child. The Trump administration argued these students posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy, utilizing a rarely invoked law to justify their actions. Additionally, new rules were implemented, including social media checks for foreign students applying for visas, leaving many students cautious about their online presence.
Student Loan Overhaul: A New Landscape
The student loan system underwent a drastic transformation, with former President Biden's record-setting forgiveness efforts giving way to a crackdown on repayment options. The Trump administration announced the end of the income-driven SAVE repayment plan, impacting 7 million borrowers who now face higher repayments. Republicans also passed changes that will reduce repayment options to just two by 2028, with one plan offering loan forgiveness after 30 years of payments, an increase from the previous 20 to 25 years. Even the Public Service Loan Forgiveness plan wasn't spared, with the administration aiming to remove some previously qualified employers from the list.
The Reading Crisis Persists: A National Concern
The reading crisis, a lingering issue since the COVID-19 pandemic, continued to plague educators in 2025. Reading scores for fourth and eighth graders plummeted further, with 12th-grade scores reaching their lowest level since before 1992. A 2020 Gallup study revealed the crisis was costing the U.S. $2.2 trillion annually, and the problem showed no signs of abating. States have been adopting the science of reading approach, which has shown promising results in places like Louisiana, but the crisis extends beyond younger students, impacting adults as well.
Cell Phone Bans: A Growing Trend
Cell phone bans in U.S. classrooms gained traction this year, with almost half of the states imposing some form of restriction. From partial to full bans, states and districts are adopting stricter policies. Some schools have implemented systems like Yondr pouches, requiring students to keep their phones inaccessible until the end of the day. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York praised the move, stating, "I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling." While educators support these bans, some parents and students raise concerns about safety and the restriction of personal property.
The Dismantling of the Education Department: Trump's Final Act
Both higher education and K-12 institutions found themselves in a state of flux as the Trump administration took steps to dismantle the Education Department. McMahon initiated the process by laying off half of the federal agency's employees, and Trump followed with an executive order to dismantle the department as far as legally possible. Programs like the Institute of Education Sciences and Federal Student Aid were hit hard by these downsizing efforts, with some functions being redistributed to other agencies. The Education Department also announced interagency deals, further solidifying the transfer of certain programs and operations to other departments.
As we reflect on the education stories of 2025, it's evident that the year was marked by controversy and change. With Trump's influence on higher education and the ongoing battles over immigration, student loans, and reading scores, the education landscape underwent a significant transformation. And with the dismantling of the Education Department, the future of education policy remains uncertain. What do you think about these developments? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the impact these changes may have on the education system and its stakeholders.
