News from Washington: Political and Legislative Trends
Stating that this year has been tumultuous in political terms would be an understatement – the Trump administration has engaged in substantial policy changes that have ranged from controversial to contentious, and have thus faced multiple legal challenges. This administration’s policies have been cheered on by those who expected these changes and voted for them; they have also been severely criticized by those who see them as excessive and even unconstitutional or antidemocratic. Hispanic Outlook’s longtime contributor Peggy Sands Orchowski provided a look at the main issues discussed in Washington which have an impact on education, starting with the dismantling of USAID and the Department of Education (see News from Washington, February). Orchowski delves into the history of the Department of Education, and explains Secretary Linda McMahon’s plans for reducing its size and functions - not eliminating it, which could only be done with Congressional approval (see News from Washington, April).
Orchowski also discusses the ways in which affirmative action and the entire definition of minority students has been questioned in recent years, leading up to current controversies over DEI programs and the preference for “meritocratic” admissions. She raises important points about what meritocracy means, however, in an era where a growing number of college applicants are not prepared to read books, generally considered a basic requirement for higher level studies (see News From Washington, January). She also presents data illustrating the complexity of college enrollment trends in 2025, with conflicting reports on growth and decline across different institutions and programs. Influencing factors include increased short-term program enrollment, declining small colleges, foreign student numbers, and concerns over degree value (see News from Washington, March).
The Challenges of New Technologies for Education
Technological advancements are taking place at a dizzying speed, affecting every aspect of our lives. Given the importance of understanding the myriad ways in which technology is affecting learning – inside and outside of the classroom – we have addressed its impact in various articles. Harikrishna Kundariya contributed to H.O. with the article Building Inclusive EdTech: Designing Learning Tools for Diverse Classrooms, which emphasizes that edtech must be accessible to all learners and grounded on empathetic design, calling on developers to consider varied learning styles and intuitive interfaces when creating education tools.
This year, we have also included articles - originally published in The Conversation, an open-access journal – which we consider important to disseminate further, since they explain issues that we all face in our daily lives as educators and students, and key tips for dealing with these issues. These include When News is Stressful, How do You Balance Staying Informed with ‘Doomscrolling’? (February), College Students are Bombarded by Misinformation, so This Professor Taught Them Fact-checking 101 – Here´s What Happened (September), AI is Making Reading Books Feel Obsolete – and Students Have a Lot to Lose (October), and Verifying Facts in the Age of AI – Librarians Offer 5 Strategies (November).
Broadening Our Horizons: Bridges with Latin America
Knowing the other is often the first step toward real understanding, which is why, this year, we highlighted pieces that reflect our shared connections, particularly with Latin America – our neighbor and also the roots of the US Hispanic/Latino community. In Latin America’s Basilicas: Where Heaven Touches Earth, we highlighted the deep connection Latin American communities have with their faith, showcasing several basilicas as striking examples of devotion and architectural splendor. With regard to faith, this year also witnessed the appointment of the first American Pope to head the Roman Catholic Church, who has a multicultural heritage and a strong attachment to Peru, due to his extensive missionary experience there and his subsequent acquisition of Peruvian citizenship. Adriana Alcántara’s Pope Leo XIV: Cultural Bridge and Unifying Voice for a Fractured World offers an overview of Pope Leo XIV’s early life, spiritual path, and message of unity, faith, and peace, as well as his commitment to social doctrine, inclusion, dialogue, and attentive listening as guiding principles.
Turning towards academics, we have also delved into a more detailed look at higher education institutions in Latin America, beginning with two world-renowned universities that are top-ranked in the region for STEM fields. In Latin America’s Top Universities for STEM Studies, Adriana Alcántara presents the extensive range of STEM studies at Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil’s preeminent scientific research institution, which included institutes in cutting-edge fields across the country and international collaborations in key areas. The article also describes STEM studies at UNAM, a powerhouse of scientific endeavor for Mexico and all of Latin America, whose research on contemporary issues ranges from epidemiological threats to sustainable food and the human genome. Finally, opportunities for international students at both universities are listed.
Empowering Women
Latinas also had a strong presence this year, with articles that highlighted their voices, achievements, and the challenges they navigate across education and beyond. One such piece, 100 Hispanic Women National: The Mission of Empowering Latinas, by Jillian Gonzalez Pellegrino, focuses on 100 Hispanic Women National’s mission to uplift Hispanic women through educational enrichment, leadership development, and networking opportunities. One example of its initiatives is its scholarship program that includes the Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski Scholarship, the Young Latinas Leadership Institute Scholarship, and the Graduate Fellowship.
Another example of Latina leadership is Marce Gutierrez-Graudiņš, whose contribution, En el Mar: Latino Leadership in Ocean Justice, highlights her work as founder and executive director of an organization dedicated to ocean preservation. Since 2011, she has partnered closely with Latino communities on environmental issues, with Deja El Plástico standing out as one of the earliest and most iconic campaigns against single-use plastic.
Economic Issues Faced by the Hispanic/Latino Community
Economic inequity also surfaced as a critical issue. In Wage Disparity Undermines Latinos’ Economic Contribution, Jamshid Damooei, Ph.D., highlights the contradiction between Latinos’ record $3.7 trillion contribution to the U.S. economy in 2022 and the persistent wage gaps, limited access to education, and systemic barriers that hinder their full potential especially in states like California.
Longtime contributor Gustavo A. Mellander shares important data on Hispanics’ retirement assets and financial habits inRetirement Distress and Financial Wellness. The article calls attention to the fact that Hispanics face retirement challenges due to low financial literacy, limited savings, and distrust of financial institutions. He suggests that improved education, proactive planning, and investment in diverse assets like real estate and mutual funds can help bridge wealth gaps and ensure financial security.
