Trump ordered McMahon and Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate and take action against unlawful discrimination by US colleges and graduate schools, including law and medical schools.
Another order on Wednesday directed the administration to enforce existing laws requiring universities to disclose when they receive large foreign gifts, amid worries by Trump of foreign influence at universities.
It directed McMahon to take steps to require universities to disclose specific details about foreign funding, including “the true source and purpose of the funds,” a White House fact sheet said.
Yet another order sets up an initiative on historically Black colleges and universities aimed at promoting excellence and innovation at the schools.
Under the initiative, an annual White House summit on HBCUs will be staged to “foster collaboration and address key priorities for HBCU success,” a White House fact sheet said.
Trump said another order targeted diversity, equity and inclusion policies that impacted how students are disciplined. It said school discipline “should be based on student behaviour, rather than racial statistics.”
