The Whitsdom Press

Tag: donald trump

  • Government Shutdown Layoffs: How Special Education Was Affected

    When the government shutdown happened, it left many Americans confused and worried. One major story to come out of it is the Trump layoffs at the Department of Education, which deeply affected the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) — the federal office that protects the rights of students with disabilities.

    What Happened at the Department of Education

    Under President Donald Trump’s administration, and with involvement from officials like Linda McMahon, the government carried out major federal job cuts during the shutdown. Reports from NPR and Inside Higher Ed said that the Department of Education layoffs were part of a larger “reduction in force” that impacted hundreds of workers.

    The Office of Special Education Programs was one of the hardest hit. According to ABC News, the office was “decimated,” meaning most of its employees were laid off. Once a strong team of experts helping schools nationwide, OSEP is now working with only a fraction of its original staff.

    These deep special education cuts have raised serious concerns about how well students with disabilities will be supported moving forward.

    Why This Office Is So Important

    You may wonder how an office in Washington, D.C. connects to students in your local school district. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has a huge role in keeping special education fair and effective across the country.

    Here’s what the office does:

    • Sends federal special education funding to states.
    • Makes sure states follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — a law that protects every student’s right to a free and appropriate education.
    • Provides help, training, and answers to schools and educators.

    Think of OSEP as both a watchdog and a helper — the people who make sure schools follow the law and students with disabilities get the support they deserve. these layoffs under Trump’s administration will affect real students in classrooms nationwide.

    How the Layoffs Affect Students and Families

    The special education layoffs don’t stop services overnight, but they make it harder for the government to enforce the laws that protect students. Here’s how:

    1. Less Oversight
    With fewer workers, the Department of Education can’t monitor states as closely. If a school fails to meet a child’s IEP or special education needs, it may take longer for anyone to notice or fix it.

    2. Slower Help and Delays
    Schools rely on federal experts for guidance in tricky special education situations. With most of the team gone, it will take longer to get help or answers, delaying support for students.

    3. Uncertain Future
    OSEP also plans ahead for long-term needs — something that’s now much harder to do with so many staff gone. Teachers and parents are left wondering what this means for the future of special education in America.

    What This Means Going Forward

    Even though your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is still legally protected under IDEA, the system that makes sure schools follow those rules is now much weaker. The Trump administration layoffs have left a big hole in the support system meant to protect children with disabilities.

    Parents, teachers, and disability advocates across the country are watching closely to see how these changes in Washington will affect classrooms, especially those serving special needs students.

    For now, the message is clear: the government shutdown impact on schools is being felt most by the families who rely on special education — the ones who can least afford to lose support.

  • Trump’s Executive Orders: Cashless Bail and Flag Burning

    President Donald Trump made a major move appealing to his conservative supporters. He signed two high-profile executive orders today. These orders aim at rolling back cashless bail systems. They also focus on criminalizing flag burning.

    Striking Against Cashless Bail

    The first order directs federal authorities to withdraw funding from cities and states that have eliminated cash bail. It argues that such systems are too lenient. They threaten public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi has 30 days to identify which jurisdictions have adopted cashless bail policies. She will particularly focus on serious criminal offenses.

    Washington, D.C.—a city that largely abolished cash bail decades ago—is a primary target. The administration is using federal oversight and funding as leverage, even considering sending more pretrial detainees into federal custody. Critics, including reform advocates, argue cashless bail addresses systemic inequality—helping low-income defendants who can’t afford traditional bail. Research, such as from the Brennan Center, found no link between bail reform and crime increases.

    Flag Burning Becomes a Crime (Again)

    The second executive order calls on the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute individuals who desecrate the U.S. flag—punishable by up to one year in jail, with no early release. Foreign nationals caught burning the flag may face revocation of visas or immigration benefits, and possible deportation.

    The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment. Trump’s move aims to challenge this precedent. It suggests prosecution may be possible if flag burning “incites imminent lawless action” or counts as “fighting words.” Legal and civil liberties groups warn this order will likely face uphill battles over free speech rights.

  • Black TikTokers Urge Sit Out for April 5th Protests

    On April 5, 2025, large protests called the “Hands Off! National Day of Action” took place across the U.S. People rallied against policies linked to former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They focused on issues like cuts to Social Security, threats to democracy, and unfair tax benefits for the wealthy. Organized by groups like the Human Rights Campaign, the goal was to pressure lawmakers to stop these policies.

    Why TikTok Warned Black People to “Sit Yo Black Ass Down”

    A viral TikTok trend urged Black Americans to avoid the protests, sparking widespread discussion. Many Black creators raised concerns about safety. They pointed to Trump’s history of threatening to use the military or National Guard to control protests. They worried this would lead to violence or even martial law. Others highlighted the long history of Black protesters facing harsher treatment. Police or counter-protesters treat them more severely compared to other groups.

    Critics also argued that the protests centered issues that mattered more to ‘white liberals.’ These issues included tax cuts for the wealthy. The protests did not focus (or include) on urgent priorities for Black communities, like police violence or systemic racism. Some felt Black voices were being used to support causes that didn’t tackle their specific struggles. To spread their message, Black TikTokers used humor and creativity.

    Be sure to subscribe to @PeaceOfMind-LAPC on Youtube!

    Behind the jokes, though, was a serious call to focus on safer actions with greater impact. Many suggested supporting Black-owned businesses. They also recommended practicing self-care to cope with political (or everyday) stress. Others advocated organizing locally around issues that directly affect their communities. Common folk like me will just stay home, be with the family, and hop on the video game.

    Did People Listen?

    While the April 5th protests drew crowds in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., many Black activists chose to stay home. The TikTok movement revealed a divide in how people view activism. Some still believe mass protests are powerful tools for change. Others argue that marginalized groups, like Black Americans, need to prioritize safety. They should adopt strategies that directly benefit their communities. May I remind you that WE Black people went to the polls? We constantly educated ourselves about this administration. Yet, we still got fade? Yep, we are sitting this one out.

    The TikTok-driven April 5th Protest reflects a growing sentiment among Black communities. It shows that participation in activism doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Whether through protests, mutual aid, or rest, the goal remains fighting systemic inequities while safeguarding mental and physical well-being.

    Watch this live feed. Not a speck of us out there. Someone even shouted “Black Lives Matter” but that someone didn’t look like me.