Imagine this: Your school can’t afford new textbooks, your favorite teacher is forced to leave due to budget cuts, or a club you care about is forced to disband because it isn’t deemed “appropriate” anymore. These won’t remain hypotheticals for long—they’re real outcomes tied to education policies that could reshape the way schools across the nation function.

Donald Trump’s proposed plan for education has potential to impact your current high school experience. From funding redirection and curriculum restrictions to LGBTQ+ rights and college aid, the choices made at the federal level are bound to reshape the future ahead of you.

Funding Cuts & Curriculum Censorship

California’s progressive education system has often been a model for other states, but it’s also a target under Trump’s policies. By redirecting public school funding toward private school tuition, many public schools could face severe financial struggles. This means fewer resources for arts, sports, and even basic supplies.

A major part of Trump’s plan of action is eliminating the Department of Education, which provides 11% of public school funding nationwide—approximately $80 billion annually. Programs like Title I (supports low-income schools) and IDEA (aids students with disabilities) depend on this funding. If converted to state-controlled block grants, there’s no guarantee these funds will continue to benefit schools or students equitably.

“Funding cuts will limit our school and ultimately make it difficult to learn. For example, the school computers are funded by the school but when those cuts happen we won’t receive replacements. Our music program and other activities will suffer.” 

— Isabella O. from California.

Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, argues that even though dismantling the Department is technically feasible, its functions are too integral to education nationwide. “The functions of the Department of Education will need to continue,” Mitchell explains. Without it, Congress would need to find a different way to ensure bills concerning federal funding to sports regulations are enforced.   

Curriculum censorship is another issue. Trump has pledged to cut funding for schools that teach about structural racism (e.g., Ethnic Studies) or LGBTQ+ identities, while also advocating for the inclusion of Christianity in public school classrooms. What if certain topics—history, gender studies, or even classic literature—became “off limits”?

“The federal government shouldn’t be involved in local affairs. What students in Idaho find beneficial could be different than students in New York.” 

— Laila A. from Texas. 

LGBTQ+ Rights

Under Title IX, schools are supposed to protect students from discrimination. But Trump has promised to rework this law, leaving many wondering if protections for LGBTQ+ students will remain. His administration could redefine “sex,” potentially excluding transgender students from using facilities or joining sports teams that align with their gender identity.

Trump has also repeatedly promised to ban transgender woman athletes from competing on women’s teams. “We will of course keep men out of women’s sports,” Trump declared during a recent speech, referring to transgender women. This could limit opportunities for transgender students in athletics, clubs, and other areas where inclusivity is key. Access to gender-neutral bathrooms, inclusive health education, and safe spaces like GSA clubs could also come under threat.

“As someone who has done a whole presentation on why schools should be able to teach ‘gender ideology’ and believe talking about student identities is necessary to expand on an open perspective on themselves and their community, I find it baffling. Especially since Trump pledges to bring back in school prayers, which can force non religious students to partake in it. Learning about topics like critical race theory and gender ideology is much different from having religion integrated in our education as it also infringes our very first amendment.” 

— Jonamae C. from California.

Parental Control

What if your parents could decide who your principal is? Or if certain books were banned from your school’s library? Trump has vowed to “adopt a Parental Bill of Rights, and implement the direct election of school principals by the parent” and expand their authority over school curriculums. While some argue this gives families more say in their children’s education, critics warn it could lead to increased censorship and compromise the expertise of educators and school boards.

Imagine losing access to books or lessons because a group of parents disagrees with them. The push for parental control could limit your exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills, key parts of a well-rounded education.

 “I believe schools should determine the curriculum based off the community’s needs. Allowing parents greater control over school policies risks introducing personal biases into the decision-making process.” 

— Percy G. from Florida.

College Aid / Future Impact

Thinking about college? Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education could threaten grants, scholarships, and programs like student loan forgiveness. “Trump, during his first administration, submitted a 2021 budget that nixed a popular public student loan forgiveness plan,” according to POLITICO reporter Rebecca Carballo, displaying his stance on the matter. Trump has aligned himself to eliminate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) entirely, along with other repayment-based forgiveness options.

Trump has also criticized Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives and could reverse or block similar plans when officially taking office. For many students, these changes will make higher education less accessible and beyond achievable due to financial concerns.

“I feel as if Trump's policies would affect my chances into getting to college and my chances of seeking higher education, with his removal of education funding and financial aid will limit students like me.” 

— Angelica M. from California. 

Why It Matters

These policy changes aren’t just headlines—they’re decisions that could affect your ability to access education, pursue your passions, and plan your future with ease. Staying informed[1]  about these issues is more important than ever. Reliable information is key, and it’s important to avoid relying on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms for news. Instead, consider turning to trusted news sources like AP News, Reuters, PBS NewsHour, and BBC News. Your education, your rights, and your opportunities are all on the line—it’s up to you to take responsibility for being in the know.