Policy analyst Savannah Cunningham examines school voucher programs and their goal of expanding educational choice while analyzing evidence that they often benefit higher-income families already outside the public school system. The article ultimately argues that vouchers can divert funding from public schools without meaningfully improving access for low-income students, raising concerns about equity in education.

Policy analyst Aidan Light examines California’s SB 848 and its expansion of mandated reporter laws to include school governing board members, exploring how statutory language may unintentionally extend reporting obligations and liability to student pupil trustees. The article ultimately argues that ambiguity in the law creates serious legal uncertainty around student board members’ responsibilities, raising concerns about criminal liability and the need for clearer legislative clarification.

Policy analyst Christina Wang examines the Department of Education’s 2025 effort to restrict DEI initiatives through expansive Title VI guidance, tracing how the policy quickly faced legal and constitutional challenges in federal court. The article explores the tensions between anti-discrimination law, administrative authority, and educational equity, ultimately concluding that federal agencies cannot dramatically expand civil rights enforcement through informal guidance without clear legal standards and proper rulemaking procedures.

Policy analyst Noelle Pedersen examines the One Big and Beautiful Bill Act and its sweeping cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and related health programs, analyzing how the legislation disproportionately impacts people with disabilities and low-income communities. The article explores how reduced federal support, new eligibility restrictions, and work requirements may erode access to essential care while shifting financial and administrative burdens onto states and vulnerable families.

Policy analyst Aidan Light examines California’s repeal of criminal penalties for chronic truancy under the More Help Not Less Act of 2025, analyzing the shift from punishment to support in addressing school absenteeism. The article explores the academic and social consequences of chronic absence, the role of parents and schools, and whether a human-centered approach can better serve vulnerable students while improving attendance outcomes.

Policy analyst Tess Gallagher examines the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on higher education, questioning how cuts to federal funding and the reclassification of professional degrees threaten graduate students and the future workforce. Tess also considers what these policies reveal about shifting government priorities and the long-term consequences for academic freedom and social mobility.