5 ways Trump returning to the White House could reshape college regulations and campus policies | – Times of India

As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency once more, the education sector is bracing for significant transformations. A key question regarding his educational policies looms large: How will his administration reshape the education landscape in the US? His campaign promises to radically transform the sector, including dismantling the Department of Education, have sparked both hope and apprehension among stakeholders. With diversity programs, student loan forgiveness, and academic freedom under potential threat, and deregulation on the horizon, the implications for colleges and universities are profound. Here’s how Trump in his second term is expected to influence education in America.

Possible roll back on regulations from Biden era

Trump’s administration is expected to significantly roll back regulations imposed during Biden’s tenure. While this move may alleviate compliance burdens for colleges, it also raises questions about accountability and transparency. Over the past four years, Biden’s policies demanded rigorous reporting on enrollment data, program costs, and private loans. These measures aimed to hold institutions accountable but were criticized for their rapid implementation and administrative strain.
Under Trump, institutions may gain greater freedom to innovate without stringent oversight. For-profit colleges, in particular, could benefit, as regulatory rollbacks might reduce scrutiny on their operations. Public and nonprofit private colleges may also experience relief from administrative demands. However, the absence of such regulations could compromise the protection of student interests, leaving a critical gap in accountability mechanisms.

Financial relief to educational institutions

Trump’s approach to labor and compensation policies is likely to favor institutions as employers. For example, he may reverse Biden’s overtime rule, which raised the salary threshold for overtime exemptions, thus reducing payroll costs for colleges. This change could offer financial relief to institutions already grappling with tight budgets.
Additionally, the preservation of tax credits for health insurance and charitable giving could financially benefit colleges, particularly those with robust employee benefits and fundraising initiatives. However, these financial advantages may be offset by heightened scrutiny of higher education’s value and rising skepticism about the cost of a college degree.

Change in campus policies and union dynamics

The Trump administration is expected to adopt employer-friendly labor policies, which could impact union activities on campuses. According to a report by Inside Higher Ed , during his first term, Trump’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) sought to restrict student workers’ rights to unionize at private institutions. Similar policies could reemerge, potentially curbing the recent surge in unionization efforts among faculty, staff, and graduate students.
While these measures might grant colleges greater flexibility in setting wages and benefits, they could also exacerbate tensions between administrators and campus workers. Faculty and staff unions, which have historically advocated for improved working conditions and equitable pay, may face significant obstacles in organizing under a Trump-led NLRB.

Supportive approach towards online education

Industry analysts anticipate that Trump’s administration will adopt a more favorable stance toward online education, IHE reported. Unlike Biden, who introduced stricter accountability measures for virtual programs, Trump may encourage the expansion of online learning as a cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom models. This shift could accelerate the adoption of innovative course structures and broaden access to education, particularly for nontraditional students.
However, the potential relaxation of quality assurance standards for online programs raises concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of such initiatives. Institutions will need to balance the opportunities for growth with the responsibility to maintain educational integrity.

Roll back on DEI initiatives, threats to academic freedom

One of the most contentious aspects of Trump’s return is the perceived threat to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. His administration’s previous opposition to DEI programs has fueled fears that such efforts may face significant cuts or outright elimination. This prospect alarms many educators who view these programs as essential to fostering an inclusive campus environment.
Moreover, academic freedom could come under pressure as political scrutiny of curricula and campus activities intensifies. The Republican Party’s growing skepticism toward higher education may result in increased oversight, potentially stifling intellectual exploration and debate.
While Trump’s policies might offer financial relief and operational flexibility to colleges, they also introduce significant uncertainty. Deregulation could lead to a patchwork of policies, forcing institutions to adapt quickly to shifting requirements. The broader implications for students, faculty, and the academic mission of higher education remain unclear.
Ultimately, Trump’s return to the White House represents both opportunity and risk for colleges and universities. As the education sector braces for change, stakeholders must navigate a complex landscape where financial and operational benefits are weighed against the potential erosion of accountability, equity, and academic freedom.