ED approves Arkansas’ Returning Education waiver and Title I-A changes
On July 7, ED approved Arkansas’ “Returning Education to the States” waiver package, including a Title I-A plan amendment and Ed-Flex—plus a civil-rights disclaimer.
Education Policy
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Eleventh Circuit Leaves Injunction Blocking Florida “Stop W.O.K.E.” Classroom Limits
On July 7, 2026, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction. Florida public universities must keep the enjoined “training/instruction” limits blocked while the case continues.
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DOJ opens Title VI review of Harvard’s China-based financial aid
United States Rights and Public Policy — DOJ’s Civil Rights Division opened a Title VI compliance review of Harvard, citing China-tied aid rules that may exclude U.S. students.
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States Sue to Block End-of-July Mental Health Grant Termination Plan
Oregon and California AGs filed a July 10 lawsuit asking for a preliminary injunction to stop Education’s end-of-July mental health grant cuts.
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New Bedford families: Massachusetts makes staff-student sex a crime for 16- and 17-year-olds
New Bedford families are affected by a new Massachusetts law that makes certain mandated-reporter sex with 16- and 17-year-olds a crime tied to authority.
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Education Dept delays Section 117 foreign disclosures; July 31 deadline
Education delayed a Section 117 foreign-disclosure rollout: July 15 lists 92 foreign entities, and July 31 submissions are due under Federal Student Aid’s timetable.
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DPS special meeting July 27: Marrero’s “policy governance” clause, explained
Denver Public Schools will hold a virtual special board meeting July 27, 2026 after Superintendent Alex Marrero raised “policy governance” contract concerns—here’s what the clause requires.
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OCR launches national K-12 push against “passing the trash”—parent checklist
On July 10, 2026, OCR launched a national K-12 initiative with 20 directed investigations tied to 2023–24 CRDC—plus guidance for Title IX compliance.
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DOJ ends McNair race/national-origin quotas: what changes for 2027–28
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy – DOJ says McNair reserved seats by race/national origin; settlement requires new 2027–28 admissions rules.
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WV Board of Education partially intervenes in Harrison County Schools: what changes next
Clarksburg-area families: WV Board of Education approved a partial state intervention in Harrison County Schools on July 8—what the state says and what could change next.
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New NC education laws SB 227, SB 558, SB 153: What Highlands families should know
Highlands families served by Macon County Schools got new state education rules—SB 227, SB 558, and SB 153—after June 24, 2026 veto overrides.
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1st Circuit: Maine can require anti-discrimination for religious schools
July 2, 2026: The 1st Circuit upheld Maine’s bid to apply anti-discrimination rules to religious schools taking tuition aid, but remanded “Religious Expression.”
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Supreme Court upholds bans on transgender girls in school sports (Title IX)
United States Evening Courts and Rights Update – On June 30, Supreme Court upheld state bans barring transgender girls from girls’ and women’s sports under Title IX.
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ED opens Title IX probe of Buncombe County Schools restroom allegations
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy – OCR opened a Title IX investigation into Buncombe County Schools’ restroom policy. Here’s what to expect.
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Austin ISD approves the 2026–27 budget after $205M in cuts—what families should watch
Austin TX – Austin ISD trustees approved a $887M operating budget for 2026–27 after $205M in cuts. Families should watch staffing, transport, and librarian changes.
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Americans split on school prayer as new ED guidance follows Pew poll
A Pew survey (fielded April 6–12, 2026) finds more support for voluntary, student-led school religious expression than for teacher-led prayer—especially if participation is required.
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Kansas privacy case adds DOJ to Education Department enforcement
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy – The Education Department is pairing with DOJ in a Kansas student privacy case, sharpening the federal stakes for schools nationwide.
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Stuart Bell confirmed as UF president: what Gainesville should watch
UF’s new permanent president is in place. For Gainesville, the next clues will come from staffing, budgets, research priorities, and fundraising.
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SFUSD clears balanced 2026–27 budget—what’s next for staffing
San Francisco CA – SFUSD’s Board adopted a balanced 2026–27 operating budget and LCAP updates, clearing a key state deadline, but staffing choices remain.
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Denver Public Schools is set to vote June 8 on a device policy
Denver Public Schools is expected to vote June 8 on a school-day communication-device policy before Colorado’s July 1 deadline, with exemptions in focus.
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Boston’s FY27 school budget heads to City Hall: what the April 16 hearing means
Boston MA – A City Council hearing on April 16 will examine Boston Public Schools’ FY27 budget, including staffing, transportation, safety, and other daily services.
