Executive Orders Impact

From Federal to the Classroom

Based on interview with MHCC political science instructor Janet Campbell, who led a Feb. 11 Zoom discussion on the topic.

What is an Executive Order?

On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing over 3 million enslaved individuals across 10 states. However, the enforcement of this order was dependent on Union military victories.

While monumental, the Emancipation Proclamation was not passed as a law but rather as an executive order: The U.S. Constitution grants the president the power to issue such orders to manage federal operations.

Executive orders don’t require approval by Congress, but they carry significant weight, applying only to federal matters. They function similarly to laws, and so they also may be challenged in court for constitutionality. And when a president leaves office, the next president can either change or revoke these orders, as they aren’t permanent unless upheld or reinstated. This has happened countless times, including several orders issued by President Donald Trump in the past few weeks.

The Difference Between Laws and Executive Orders

Laws go through a lengthy process. A bill is introduced by a member of Congress, and after approval by both the House and Senate, it is sent to the president for final approval. When signed, it becomes law.

Executive orders, however, bypass Congress. Presidents issue them in times of urgency, often when Congress is slow to act. While treated like laws, executive orders are subject to judicial review to ensure they comply with the Constitution. These orders can be especially impactful during emergencies, such as when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued an order in 1965 to combat workplace discrimination during the civil rights movement.

Should Students Be Worried? How Executive Orders Could Affect MHCC

Students at MHCC may wonder how executive orders could impact their education, especially concerning funding and policies related to student programs.

Executive orders don’t automatically carry the force of law, but they can create disruptions, particularly in areas such federal funding. This has occurred when certain funding from the U.S. Department of Education was temporarily suspended and Pell Grants and federal work-study payments were delayed until federal courts intervened. This uncertainty caused concern for students relying on those funds.

While most of MHCC’s funding comes from the state, the college does depend on some federal programs, such as Work Study funding, COVID recovery grants, and Head Start (the preschool program it helps oversee). Any changes to federal funding could impact the college’s finances.

There also are concerns from students about how executive orders might affect their personal documentation – including residency status, and particularly those with gender identity issues. For example, one transgender student raised concerns about her state-issued ID and whether it would be affected by federal policies.

Campbell said that state IDs are unlikely to be impacted, but federal IDs tied to federal programs could require updates. For students at MHCC, the likelihood of such a change affecting their IDs is small, though not impossible. It’s important to understand that executive orders apply primarily to the federal system, and while it could cause some confusion with IDs tied to federal programs, the [overall documentation] system is complicated and has many safeguards in place.

Given the current political climate, it’s too early to predict the specific effects of new executive orders on MHCC. The impact will depend on how these orders are enforced or challenged in court. However, students need not panic – while changes could create temporary disruptions, the college has systems in place to respond, Campbell said. Staying informed, attending local board meetings, or engaging in advocacy efforts will help students understand any potential changes and ensure their voices are heard, she said. 

What Can Students Do?

Students can take proactive steps to make their voices heard, even so far as running for public office, Campbell said. Attending local board meetings, such as those held by the MHCC Board, is a powerful way to directly address concerns and make their voices heard. Additionally, students can join organizations like the ACLU or participate in protests to engage in broader change. Local activism is often the first step toward systemic transformation.

For those over 18, running for office is an option. Participating in protests, writing op-eds, or starting blogs are also effective ways to raise awareness and contribute to the conversation. Change happens not just at the federal level, but at city and school board meetings, Campbell noted. These are places where decisions that directly affect students are made.

For example, if students are concerned about policies limiting gender recognition or other rights, they can advocate at the local level by attending meetings and voicing their stance on the issue. As a collective, even small actions – such as contributing to a cause one cares about – can make a significant impact.

Janet Campbell will host another Zoom discussion titled “Immigration – The Basics,” to be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 19.
The information discussion will cover immigration issues in the U.S. (refugees, asylum seekers, economic grants, temporary visas and more), as well as how “sanctuary” cities/states work and overall American attitudes toward immigration.

There will be a question-and-answer period, as well.

Join Zoom Meeting Feb 19, 12pm:
Meeting ID: 922 3308 2964

Author’s note: I want to thank Janet Campbell, MHCC political science instructor, for helping me answer these important questions and breaking down what’s happening in politics (Campbell held a Zoom session for the Mt. Hood community Feb. 11 on the topic). She has been very helpful in explaining the complexities of how the government works.

As she says, “I think part of the problem is that people don’t really know how the government works. So, I think they’re probably working on a response, because no, nobody really knows how the government works, unless you are a political scientist. The average person doesn’t know what an executive can do. Can they do that? Do they have the right to do that? And honestly, even people like me can’t answer some of those questions.”

Campbell is passionate about making sure people understand the importance of government and the power structures in place. If you’d like to learn more or have any questions, feel free to reach out to her at [email protected]. She’s happy to explain things to anyone, whether it’s for your own understanding or helping your friends get more informed. 

Mary Nashed