January 1, Trump Scraps DEI, Restores Fitness In Schools

Wyatt’s Take

• Trump tosses out diversity policies from schools and colleges.
• Big college programs are shutting down as federal money is on the line.
• Texas leads the pack with DEI bans and school reforms.

President Trump is giving families what they asked for—real change in America’s schools. New orders cut out diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and bring back the old fitness test kids remember.

Major colleges like Michigan and Columbia are closing or downsizing their DEI departments as Trump threatens to pull federal funds. Southern and Midwestern colleges in states like Texas, Florida, and Kansas are ending DEI to follow the law.

Earlier this year, the Department of Education told public schools and colleges to drop diversity efforts or lose funding. Schools had just two weeks to prove they’d comply. Blue states rushed to court, and on August 14th, Judge Stephanie Gallagher stopped Trump’s team from enforcing the cuts, calling it a “sea change” in how schools are run.

Many believe these changes are what voters wanted. The appeal in this legal fight is still coming.

The share of students in regular public schools has dropped to 83 percent, with millions looking for new options. Homeschooling is on the rise and tech could push it further.

Texas has outlawed DEI in public schools and now alerts parents if their child wants different pronouns. School clubs tied to sexual orientation or gender identity are also banned.

This year, Texas rolled out a $10,000 voucher for kids switching from public to private school, plus up to $2,000 for those learning at home, beginning in 2026. Some rural lawmakers tried to stop this, but Gov. Abbott pushed through.

Illinois is moving the opposite way, dropping standards and giving parents fewer choices. Trump says he might take over Chicago’s schools to fix the mess if needed. Even local newspapers are frustrated with politicians lowering standards.

“Now, scoring an 18 in English language arts and a 19 in math on the ACT will count as ‘proficient’ for high school juniors.”

That’s well below the national average, and much less than what top Illinois college freshmen score.

In Missouri, public schools now ban cell phones and other devices in class except for emergencies. Teachers like this rule and it starts this fall.

This year, gym class is tougher again. Trump is bringing back the fitness test ditched by Obama in 2012. Kids must run, do sit-ups, and pushups just like before, aiming for a stronger America.

Getting rid of fitness tests was part of a harmful trend away from merit and competition. The older vision meant strength, not softness.

“The Soft American.”

The next generation faces rising obesity and failing health. CDC says 20 percent of students are obese, and most young adults can’t even serve in the military anymore.

America’s schools need to put basic skills, health, and real learning ahead of politics.

Wyatt Matters

Families want schools to focus on learning, discipline, and personal responsibility—values that built small towns and main streets across Middle America. These changes put kids and parents back in charge.

Read more at The Federalist