education policy Archives - Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association

Coalition sues Trump administration over dismantling of U.S. Department of Education

cschubert2025-03-24T10:35:04-10:00March 24, 2025|Categories: News|Tags: advocacy groups, civil rights, civil rights protections, congress, constitutional law, Department of Education, disability rights, education equity, Education Law Center, education policy, educators, executive overreach, federal agencies, federal funding, government oversight, higher education, lawsuit, NAACP, NEA, Pell Grants, public schools, school employees, school funding, special education, student loans, student rights, Trump Administration|

Advocacy groups representing educators, civil rights organizations, and families have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that such actions exceed executive authority and put millions of vulnerable students at risk. The lawsuit contends that eliminating the department would strip critical funding, undermine civil rights protections, and jeopardize access to education for students with disabilities, low-income families, and other marginalized groups.

Federal uncertainty stymies many legislative priorities

cschubert2025-03-07T12:04:54-10:00March 7, 2025|Categories: News|Tags: book bans, civic education, differential pay, education policy, education reform, free school meals, Hawaii Legislature, Hawaii schools, Hawaii teachers, Hawaiian education, hazard pay, HSTA, legislative update, paid family leave, pre-K expansion, public education, salary step increases, school funding, school librarians, school supplies, student transportation, teacher advocacy, Teacher housing, teacher pay|

At the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session, HSTA’s lobby team has testified on over 50 bills, advocating for teacher pay, housing, and student needs amid cautious state budgeting due to federal uncertainties. While some key priorities like hazard pay and paid family leave stalled, progress continues on teacher housing, school funding, and civic education, with ongoing efforts to support educators and students across Hawaiʻi.