Hayley Sanon on Returning Education to the States, Increasing Flexibility, & Expanding Freedom Artwork

Freedom to Learn

Season 2 of the Freedom to Learn podcast makes the urgent case for returning education to states, communities, and families. In Washington, President Trump is challenging partisan teacher unions and federal bureaucrats by enacting a new K–12 scholarship tax credit, restructuring the Department of Education, and rooting out civil rights violations in schools. Each week, host Ginny Gentles speaks with policymakers and advocates about bold reforms that improve academic performance and shift power closer to students. Every episode examines what becomes possible when education is freed from union dominance and federal control. Produced by the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC.

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Freedom to Learn

Hayley Sanon on Returning Education to the States, Increasing Flexibility, & Expanding Freedom

September 25, 2025 • Ginny Gentles • Season 2 • Episode 3

Hayley Sanon joins the podcast to discuss the Trump administration's vision for returning education to the states. We delve into recent guidance issued by the federal Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the role of Dear Colleague Letters and waivers, and the opportunities to expand educational flexibility and education freedom. Hayley, who is the acting Assistant Secretary of OESE, explains how these initiatives aim to empower states and districts to make the best decisions for students, and reset the balance of power between federal and state education systems.

U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance to States on Ed-Flex Option to Encourage Local Innovation Guidance: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-guidance-states-ed-flex-option-encourage-local-innovation

Direct Student Services Guidance: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/department-of-education-encourages-states-expand-education-choice-leveraging-flexibilities-title-i-funds

Persistently Dangerous and Unsafe Schools Guidance: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-guidance-states-ed-flex-option-encourage-local-innovation

Charter School Program Funding: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/secretary-mcmahon-announces-immediate-increased-funding-new-grant-program-charter-schools

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