During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday” with Shannon Bream, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon addressed a range of crucial topics impacting education across the country, particularly the administration’s push to decentralize control to the states. Highlighting her approach, she pointed out, “Really, what we are doing is returning education to the states. So, what I want to do is to see what the best practices are around our country from many of our different kinds of schools.” This assertion underscores her commitment to empower state and local education systems, a significant shift from the previous administration’s policies.
As the conversation unfolded, McMahon tackled the ongoing legal tussle with Harvard, articulating the administration’s stance aimed at protecting students, particularly against antisemitism. She expressed, “What we said to Harvard from the very beginning is we want universities to be those places of truth seekers, of open debate, of open ideas, but Harvard is actually preventing that.” Her remarks indicate an explicit expectation that higher education institutions uphold principles of free speech and inclusivity while maintaining safety for all students.
In a notable exchange, Bream pointed out a federal judge’s ruling that barred the administration from blocking specific funding to Harvard. In response, McMahon clarified, “This case was never about freedom of speech. This was about safety on campus. This was about antisemitism. This was about Title 6 violations. Harvard knows that.” This reflects her attempt to redirect the narrative from speech rights to safety, asserting that it is essential to create an environment where all students feel secure.
McMahon also addressed another pressing issue within the Virginia school systems, focusing on the controversy surrounding transgender bathroom policies. She stated that these policies create confusion and distress for female students, saying, “Our students, our girls should not be going into their locker rooms not knowing what they are going to find.” Her remarks suggest a call for a return to common sense solutions in schools regarding gender identity and bathroom access, emphasizing the need for policies that protect all students’ rights. “Common sense would just tell you that is wrong and that’s not what should be happening in either our high schools or in our universities either,” she added, reinforcing a stance that prioritizes straightforward, practical measures.
Throughout the interview, McMahon made it clear that the administration’s educational agenda is focused on safety, truth, and empowering states. This perspective strives to shift the narrative around federal involvement in schools, as she insists on protecting students while fostering an environment where open debate can occur. Her statements reflect a broader goal of redefining the role of education within a framework that values local control and accountability.
"*" indicates required fields
