This summer, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled on decisions that could impact education everywhere. The Trump administration unfroze K-12 funding, and the definition of DEI in education continues to evolve within civil rights investigations.

Colleges and Universities

Columbia’s $220 million settlement agreement

Columbia University reached an agreement with the Trump administration to restore federal funding and grant funds to the university. Columbia agreed to pay $200 million to the federal government plus $21 million to resolve potential civil rights violations against the university’s Jewish population. Columbia says it maintains its academic freedom, but critics call it a “dangerous precedent.”

DOJ investigates George Mason University

Multiple professors at George Mason University accused the university of showing preference to underrepresented groups, saying that the president favors candidates for employment based on their diversity qualifications instead of their merits.

K-12

Trump administration unfreezes billions of K-12 education dollars

The unfrozen grant programs include Title I-C for migrant education ($375 million); Title II-A for professional development and teacher training ($2.2 billion); Title III-A for English-learner services ($890 million); Title IV-A for academic enrichment ($1.3 billion); adult education ($629 million); and adult literacy and civics education ($86 million). DOE stated that the review was complete and that “guardrails are in place to ensure these funds will not be used in violation of Executive Orders or administration policy.”

Federal Rulings

SCOTUS ruled on several major cases before beginning its recess, all which could greatly impact the educational landscape: 

Somerville v. Trump & New York v. McMahon

As a response to these consolidated lawsuits, SCOTUS allowed the Trump administration to proceed in firing more than half of the Department of Education (DOE), about 1,400 employees. While the decision doesn’t confirm or deny the legality of completely dismantling it, the mass layoffs will likely “cripple the Department.”

Implications for educators:

Although the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will still exist within DOE, its resources will become limited, and fewer employees will be available to resolve Title IX, Title VI, and ADA investigations. Educators should anticipate delays in OCR processes.

Mahmoud vs. Taylor

SCOTUS issued a 6-3 ruling, confirming that Maryland parents may opt their children out of LGBTQIA+ focused curriculum if they conflict with their religious beliefs. The court stated, “the practice of educating one’s children in one’s religious beliefs, like all religious acts and practices, receives a generous measure of constitutional protection.”

Implications for educators: 

The recent decision granted a preliminary injunction denied by the lower courts prior, which only temporarily allowed parents to excuse their children from LGBTQIA+ curriculum while the lawsuit continued in lower courts. Although the decision doesn’t currently apply to other school districts, educators could eventually be required to develop opt-out procedures for LGBTQIA+ content, revamp curriculum plans, and create updated training for staff. 

A.J.T. vs Osseo Schools

SCOTUS ruled that students no longer have to prove that schools acted in “bad faith” or “gross misconduct” when denied disability accommodations under ADA. Now, denying reasonable accommodations alone can be enough to hold schools liable for disability discrimination.

Implications for educators:

This decision lowers the burden of proof for students who pursue a disability discrimination complaint, making schools more liable and prone to institutional risk. Educators should review their existing accommodation policies and closely document all of ADA-related decisions.

How We Can Help

As education professionals stay informed of all federal updates and prepare for their impact, TIXC can help keep your schools compliant. For general up-to-date information and how it affects you and your institution, join us for TIXC Thursdays on the first Thursday of every month. For more information about our consulting services, including advising, hearing adjudication, and investigation, contact us at info@titleixconsult.com.