Kathmandu— Former President Donald Trump has threatened legal and financial repercussions for US schools that promote gender identity or transition, framing such policies as a form of “child abuse” and vowing to reverse Biden-era protections for transgender students. Speaking at a White House event Monday, Trump accused the current administration of ‘weaponizing’ education with what he called 'extreme ideologies' like critical race theory and promoting 'transgender insanity.' He pledged to restore parental control over schools by ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and refocusing on basic education.

Administration Targets Gender Policies

Trump stated that any public school informing a child they are “trapped in the wrong body” would be considered committing child abuse. He highlighted his past actions to roll back protections for transgender students, including measures concerning participation in sports, access to facilities, and use of preferred pronouns, emphasizing a return to recognizing only two sexes: male and female. His administration also moved to reverse Biden-era Title IX rules that expanded protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Funding Cuts and Parental Control

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the administration had already cut billions in DEI funding from schools and universities, redirecting those funds towards teachers, classrooms, and workforce training. She warned that continued promotion of gender-related changes could result in a complete loss of federal funding, asserting that “children belong to their parents, not the federal government.” Trump echoed this sentiment, stating his administration is systematically ending what he called 'radical left betrayals' and returning control to parents.

Broader DEI Crackdown

The crackdown extends beyond gender identity issues, encompassing a broader effort to dismantle DEI programs across various sectors. Trump ordered federal agencies to eliminate these programs, including within the military and Foreign Service, reversing Biden-era workforce equity initiatives. This campaign has faced resistance, sparking legal challenges from civil rights organizations and Democratic states, as well as divisions among companies regarding their diversity programs.

The former president’s actions have ignited a national debate over parental rights, gender identity policies in schools, and the role of federal funding in shaping educational practices. Ongoing legal battles are expected to continue as Trump seeks to implement his vision for education.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.