What the Trump Administration and Republican Congress Could Mean for NYC Schools: A Progressive Perspective

With a new presidential administration and a Republican-controlled Congress, teachers, parents, and students in New York City face a moment of profound uncertainty. Changes are expected that may shake the foundation of public education as we know it. As an opposition caucus within the United Federation of Teachers, it’s crucial that we prepare for potential impacts that could redefine classrooms across our city.

One of the newly elected administration's early proposals involves dismantling the federal Department of Education, an unprecedented move that would disrupt federal oversight, funding, and support. For our schools, this could mean the loss of critical Title I funds that provide resources to high-poverty schools, support for after-school programs, and funding for schools with high populations of underserved students. Without federal support, the burden to cover these programs could fall on already strained city budgets, forcing schools to choose between essential services.

New York City has long been a sanctuary city, and its schools serve tens of thousands of undocumented students. Under new federal policies, the protection of these students could be jeopardized. An administration that prioritizes immigration enforcement could encourage actions that make schools less safe for undocumented families, including potential data sharing with immigration authorities. We must be vigilant and vocal in defending our students’ rights to learn in a safe, supportive environment, regardless of their immigration status.

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has been pivotal in enforcing anti-discrimination policies in schools. With a reduced or dissolved Office for Civil Rights, civil rights enforcement in NYC schools could suffer, impacting students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities who rely on these protections for equitable education. Progressives must advocate for strong local protections and push NYC’s Department of Education to uphold and enforce civil rights standards independently.

Federal mandates, like those from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensure that NYC’s special education students receive appropriate accommodations and support. Without federal funding and oversight, NYC schools could face challenges in meeting these needs, leading to inadequate support for students who rely on individualized services. We will need to push for commitments to special education funding and protect these students’ rights.

Federal funding also sustains vital programs, like the free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs on which thousands of NYC students depend. Cuts or eliminations of these programs could lead to higher food insecurity among low-income students, directly impacting their ability to learn and thrive. We should work with city officials to ensure that alternative funding is available to maintain these essential programs and advocate at every level for solutions that prioritize children’s welfare.

Protections for LGBTQIA+ students could be at risk under an administration that may not prioritize their rights. Federal guidance has previously protected transgender students’ rights to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. The rollback of these protections could create hostile school environments. Educators, allies, and families must stand together to affirm LGBTQIA+ students’ rights and ensure NYC schools remain inclusive.

This new administration has shown support for increasing religious expression in public schools, potentially blurring lines between church and state. NYC, with its richly diverse student population, benefits from secular education policies that respect all religions equally. We must continue to uphold the separation of church and state in our schools and maintain an inclusive, secular educational environment for students of all backgrounds.

A push for school choice, charter schools, and voucher systems could lead to reduced funding for public schools, funneling resources toward private and charter schools. For NYC’s public schools, which serve the vast majority of students, this redirection of funds could mean larger class sizes, fewer resources, and less support for teachers. As public education advocates, we should actively oppose policies that weaken public schools, and instead, call for investments that strengthen them.

The administration’s potential embrace of “right-to-work” laws could undermine teachers’ union rights, weaken collective bargaining, and erode job protections. This shift could reduce teachers’ ability to advocate for their students and classrooms without fear of retribution. It’s critical that we, as UFT members, work together to protect our union’s strength, support each other, and continue to advocate for conditions that allow teachers to provide the best possible education.

Federal support for science and climate education may decrease, particularly given the administration’s stance on climate change. As NYC educators, we must commit to teaching our students science grounded in evidence and fact. This includes continuing to educate about environmental issues and climate change, preparing students to address these pressing challenges in the future.

The potential changes ahead could profoundly affect NYC’s educational landscape. It’s imperative that we, as progressive educators, remain informed, organized, and active in protecting our students’ rights and access to quality education. Here are a few actions we can take together:

• Build Coalitions: Partner with other education advocates, civil rights organizations, and community groups to amplify our voices.
• Advocate Locally: Push for policies within NYC’s Department of Education and city government that protect students, maintain equitable funding, and uphold inclusive values.
• Engage Families and Communities: Inform and empower families about their rights and the potential impacts of federal changes on their children’s education.
• Stay Active in the Union: Participate in UFT meetings and initiatives, ensuring that our voices are heard and that we’re prepared to respond to policy changes.

The future is uncertain, but by standing together, we can continue to uphold the values of equity, justice, and inclusion in our schools and fight for a public education system that serves all students.