WASHINGTON (AP) – The federal agency enforces civil rights at US schools has been ordered to prioritize complaints Anti-Semitism Above all, it is shaped in President Donald Trump’s agenda and creates fear that other rights violations will not be punished.
A new leader from Trump’s Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office called on staff this week that they would be expected to actively pursue complaints, including anti-Semitism, according to Craig’s trainers, saying civil rights According to sources calling for the deputy vice-secretary.
Already there are signs of a tough turn in civil rights enforcement, including new actions focused on anti-Semite bias Transgender Issues.
Last week, in response to the White House order, the office launched new anti-Semitism investigations at five universities, including Columbia and Northwestern. A few days ago it opened inquiry Enter Denver Public Schools on top of all gendered bathrooms that will replace girls’ bathrooms, leaving behind another one exclusively for boys. On Wednesday, Trump ordered a school to receive federal money. Transgender girls are prohibited I promise to investigate schools and universities that are not compliant with the education sector after participating in women’s sports.
The office’s lawyers’ fleet is largely on the sidelines, while primarily the new administration changes priorities. Every day work is frozen. This is typical when a new president takes office, but sources say there will be a new blackout in relation to schools, universities or communications with people filing complaints. Questions about how to implement Title IX will receive unanswered and leave the school in the dark as you navigate the school New memo From the agency last week.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation.
In a staff call, the trainee said the office must be more aggressive and faster than under former President Joe Biden. He accused the previous administration of ignoring its obligation to fight anti-Semitism, leaving more than 100 cases open. Trump is seeking a review of all anti-Semitism cases since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. What was resolved under Biden.
The strict focus on anti-Semitism and gender identity may cause the office to not pay sufficient attention Racismabuse based on disability or Islamophobia. The office must handle all complaints in the field, but politics can play a role in setting priorities and choosing which cases to pursue.
Raymond Pierce, who headed the office under Democratic President Bill Clinton, said focusing solely on anti-Semitism would not fulfill the office’s mission to enforce civil rights laws.
“Anti-Semitism is a problem,” he said. “But civil rights law is broader than mere religion.”
In a statement, the trainer promised that his office would “hardly investigate all suspect violations of the Civil Rights Act within its scope.”
The trainers also warned of a “restructuring” that came to staff and confirmed Elon Musk’s so-called “what they’re doing.” Government efficiency bureau We are considering the education sector. Last year, it raised concerns about a declining number of Civil Rights Office staffing cuts, despite receiving a record 22,687 complaints.
Plus, he’s worried about Trump. Exploration to close the education sector Cut the office’s budget and move to the Department of Justice, as suggested in the Project 2025 blueprint created by the Conservative Heritage Foundation.
Lawyers and supporters say the effects of Trump’s change are most likely to be felt by black students and disabled people. Derek W. Black, a law professor at the University of South Carolina, has worked for decades to enforce equal access to marginalized students.
If the office finds benefits in the complaint, it is authorized to withhold federal funds until the school or state complies.
“Are there any local or state officials that kids want to do right? Of course there are,” Black said. “But are there any districts that you don’t think it’s a big deal, or do poor kids don’t want to do it right? Unfortunately, there are.”
Historically, most complaints to the department have been involved. Discrimination against people with disabilitieshowever, according to the annual report, sex discrimination charges last year skyrocketed to explain more than half of all complaints. Discrimination against people with disabilities accounted for 37%, while discrimination against race or country of origin accounted for 19%.
In addition to the obligation to investigate complaints, the office will develop federal rules to interpret federal laws of schools and universities. Its role was at the heart of the political tug of war. Title IXa recent administration has repeatedly rewritten rules governing investigations of sexual misconduct on campus.
The Biden administration has been issued New rules Last year, we expanded Title IX to protect transgender and LGBTQ+ students and increase victim rights. Federal judge The rules have been reversed In January, we will return to the previous set of rules from Trump’s first term.
In a note to schools and universities last week, the Civil Rights Office stressed that previous Trump rules would be in effect, but how to handle cases opened when Biden’s rules come into effect It caused confusion. There was little clarity to the school due to no communication from the department.
There are also questions about how anti-Semitism research will change. Trump is seeking more positive action against universities that have been found to tolerate anti-Semitism using heated rhetoric, and trainers say they have said they have been saying “toothless” to resolve lawsuits. ” denounced the Biden administration to sign the agreement. No new guidance has been issued to lawyers investigating the case.
A growing backlog of complaints has been growing as offices await orders to resume work.
Before Trump took office, there were over 140 open research into which he had shared ancestors, many of which were dealing with anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The Biden administration has begun more than 100 investigations since October 7, 2023. Amid concerns that Trump would issue heavier sanctions, many schools reached a deal to resolve the case before Trump took office.
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