USA Today

After Brown v. Board, the South launched massive resistance to school integration

The "Injustices" series, published by the USA TODAY Network in collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative, seeks to confront the realities of racial injustice, reckon with their enduring effects and preserve these narratives as part of America’s collective history.

Judge orders Department of Defense to restore books removed from schools over ‘wokeness’

A federal judge in Virginia has ordered the Pentagon to restore books and curriculum that were removed from its schools following efforts by the Trump administration to weed out perceived “wokeness” from the military and education.

Education Department wipes out special ed office in shutdown layoffs, union says

Separately, employees involved in the college access program known as TRIO, which is located in a different office, were also let go.

How has teaching about 9/11 changed since 2001? We asked educators

Teaching about 9/11 has shifted from shared memories to historical context for students who weren’t alive in 2001. Educators now focus on critical thinking, primary sources, and lessons of hope to explain its lasting impact.

Trump vows to protect prayer in public schools with new Department of Education guidance

President Donald Trump announced new Department of Education guidance to protect prayer in public schools at a Sept. 8 Religious Liberty Commission hearing. Critics argue the move promotes Christian nationalism rather than broad religious freedom.

Trump just made it harder to close the Education Department

Trump has pushed to dismantle the Education Department, but his new spending law gives it major new responsibilities, including expanded Pell Grants and loan repayment plans. The move ironically strengthens the agency he wanted to shut down.

Fired Education Department workers say the ‘fight isn’t over’

The Supreme Court allowed the Education Department to proceed with mass layoffs while a court fight rages on. But not all the firings were technically reversed.

100 years after the Scopes trial, Americans are still divided over what kids should learn

A century ago, a Tennessee science teacher's fight to teach evolution ignited national controversy. But battles over school curricula still rage.

Kids are ditching traditional college for career tech programs. Parents are concerned

New survey data from the nonprofit American Student Assistance shows that teen interest in college is down while interest in nondegree paths is on the rise. Meanwhile, parents are skeptical of options outside of the traditional college pathway to work.

Arkansas families suing to block Ten Commandments in public classrooms, libraries

Seven Arkansas families are suing to block a law requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, arguing it violates their constitutional rights. The lawsuit claims the law promotes specific Christian beliefs and creates a religiously coercive environment.

Public schools that refuse to follow Trump’s DEI directive are now in the crosshairs

The Trump administration is targeting K12 public schools that refuse to eliminate DEI programs, launching investigations and threatening to cut federal funding. At least 19 states are pushing back, leading to lawsuits and a growing national debate.

Recap: Supreme Court has heated exchange in blockbuster religious charter school case

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority seems sympathetic to the Catholic Church’s bid to create the nation’s first religious charter school in Oklahoma, a potentially major expansion of the use of taxpayer money for religious education.

Disabled child’s fight for fair treatment could help others—or raise bar for discrimination claims

The case is a being closely watched by disability rights groups who say the courts have created a “nearly insurmountable barrier” for help sought by schoolchildren and their families.

Survey: Parents shell out $3K annually on kids sports with college, pros in mind

Spending on youth sports now averages $3,000 annually, with many families hoping for college scholarships or pro careers despite long odds. Rising costs have led to financial strain and lifestyle sacrifices, fueling calls for a shift back to affordable, local recreational sports.

Are cute children’s books teaching kids about gender and sexuality? Supreme Court to weigh in

The Supreme Court will hear a case from parents who want to opt their children out of LGBTQ+-inclusive books in public schools, citing religious beliefs. Schools argue the books promote respect and inclusion, not religious coercion.