Investigate and Enforce Janus v. AFSCME. Federal agencies actively communicate and enforce teachers’ rights under the 2018 Janus decision, which prohibits mandatory union dues for public employees. Curbing union practices that mislead or pressure teachers will free educators to act more independently and embrace innovative teaching approaches.
Enforce Constitutionality of School Choice. The Departments of Justice and Education uphold Supreme Court decisions (Espinoza v. Montana and Carson v. Makin) which affirm the constitutionality of school choice. Challenging the enforcement of Blaine Amendments in states where they are used to block religious school funding will open up additional funding for new schools, and place state courts on notice regarding their obligation to follow federal precedent.
Evaluate Federal Equity in School Funding. Launching an inquiry into why state-authorized educational alternatives—charter, private, and microschools—can explore why federal dollars often don’t go to these models and primarily to traditional public schools. Advocate for funding equity across all school types to eliminate discriminatory funding practices.
Execute a “Three Rs” Reform Strategy via Executive Orders
- Reallocate: Redirect $20 million in discretionary funds can expand the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program beyond its stagnant funding.
- Reverse: Eliminating Biden-era Charter School Program regulations that enable local officials to block charter growth using subjective criteria.
- Roll-Out: Establish a White House Initiative on Education Innovation and Opportunity for Everyone, replacing fragmented subgroup initiatives and focused on removing federal barriers to education reform.