U.S. Education Department

Washington, D.C., United States

The U.S. Education Department is a federal agency responsible for promoting student achievement and ensuring equal access to education in the United States. It oversees the implementation of federal education laws, provides financial assistance to students, and supports educational research to improve educational outcomes.

CCI Score

6.37

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Freeze of DEI Grants Upheld by Supreme Court

On April 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in a dispute regarding the U.S. Education Department's decision to freeze $65 million in DEI-related grants. The grants, aimed at supporting programs for marginalized groups including HBCUs and Tribally Controlled Colleges, were halted on grounds that they promoted discriminatory practices. This action has raised concerns about the undermining of inclusive educational policies.

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OBJECTOR

U.S. Education Department is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

APR

04

2025

Freeze of DEI Grants Upheld by Supreme Court
-49.80

On April 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in a dispute regarding the U.S. Education Department's decision to freeze $65 million in DEI-related grants. The grants, aimed at supporting programs for marginalized groups including HBCUs and Tribally Controlled Colleges, were halted on grounds that they promoted discriminatory practices. This action has raised concerns about the undermining of inclusive educational policies.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

April 12

The decision to freeze DEI-related grants undermines initiatives that support marginalized communities and promote equality in education. By aligning with the Trump administration’s push to dismantle DEI funding, the U.S. Education Department has taken an action that could be seen as reinforcing authoritarian measures and curbing progressive educational policies.

Supreme Court sides with administration over Education Department grants
MAR

15

2025

U.S. Education Department Enforces Title IX Compliance
80.00

In March 2025, the U.S. Education Department announced the results of its investigation concluding that the Maine Department of Education violated Title IX by permitting transgender girls to participate on girls’ teams. The action reinforces federal anti-discrimination standards in education.
FEB

15

2025

Directive to End Racial Preferences in Schools
-58.98

On February 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter directing all federally funded educational institutions to cease using racial preferences and stereotypes in admissions, hiring, and other institutional practices. The policy warns that failure to comply may result in investigations and loss of federal funding.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

April 12

The directive mandates the end of race-based considerations, effectively dismantling long-standing DEI measures that have historically supported marginalized communities. By reversing policies meant to uphold racial equity in education, the department's action undermines protections and opportunities for minority students, aligning with authoritarian tendencies that prefer a rigid meritocracy over inclusive practices.

U.S. Department of Education Directs Schools to End Racial Preferences
OCT

01

2024

Release of AI Toolkit and Nondiscrimination Guidance by U.S. Education Department
70.58

In October 2024, the U.S. Education Department released its Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration along with nondiscrimination guidance. These resources aim to help educational institutions address the challenges of algorithmic bias and ensure that AI implementation is aligned with civil rights standards, thereby reinforcing protections for marginalized students.
+70

Public and Political Behavior

April 12

The release of these guidelines demonstrates progressive public and political behavior by reinforcing civil rights in education. The initiative supports transparency and fairness and counters authoritarian approaches by ensuring state educational policies protect vulnerable groups.

U.S. Department of Education’s AI Toolkit and Nondiscrimination Resources Provides Lasting Guidance for Educators on AI and Civil Rights
+80

Technology and Services Impact

April 12

By outlining concrete guidelines for responsible AI use, including measures to mitigate bias and protect privacy, the toolkit provides clear oversight on technological integration in schools. This proactive approach ensures that technology serves the public interest and upholds civil rights, thereby obstructing potential authoritarian misuse.

U.S. Department of Education’s AI Toolkit and Nondiscrimination Resources Provides Lasting Guidance for Educators on AI and Civil Rights
JAN

30

2017

U.S. Education Department Implements Regulatory Reform
-15.53

The U.S. Department of Education is implementing regulatory reforms in line with Executive Order 13771, aimed at reducing regulation and compliance costs. This move, while framed as improving regulatory efficiency, raises concerns about potentially undermining protections for students and marginalized communities by streamlining oversight and reducing accountability.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

April 12

By adopting regulatory reforms under the guidance of Executive Order 13771, the Education Department is visibly following executive directives that prioritize reducing regulatory burdens over robust protections. This can weaken public oversight and reduce safeguards for vulnerable groups, aligning with an authoritarian approach to governance.

Improving Regulation and Regulatory Reform - U.S. Department of Education
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 12

The move to streamline regulations can reduce the mechanisms that ensure ethical practices and proper oversight in the education sector, potentially impacting the department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and needs of students and educators.

Improving Regulation and Regulatory Reform - U.S. Department of Education
-20

Economic and Structural Influence

April 12

The regulatory changes may contribute to regulatory capture by prioritizing cost reduction and easing compliance burdens over thorough oversight. This can structurally favor business interests at the expense of public welfare and the pursuit of equitable education policies.

Improving Regulation and Regulatory Reform - U.S. Department of Education
DEC

23

2010

Department Maintains Compliance with Lobbying Restrictions
11.93

An extensive review by the Office of Inspector General concluded that the U.S. Education Department adhered to lobbying restrictions by not using appropriated funds to improperly influence Congress. The report detailed several communications and activities that were thoroughly examined and ultimately found to be in compliance, reflecting a commitment to ethical and transparent political engagement.
+50

Public and Political Behavior

April 12

The report confirmed that the Department followed strict guidelines regarding the use of appropriated funds, avoiding any explicit grassroots lobbying or appeals to influence congressional actions. This adherence to regulatory standards supports transparent and accountable public political behavior, a positive indicator from an anti-authoritarian perspective.

PDF Review of the Department of Education's Outreach Activities