SHAWNNA BOLICK: Linda McMahon’s Key Role in Transforming School Safety

By Shawnna Bolick |

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon as the next Secretary of Education, emphasizing her commitment to expanding educational choice nationwide. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump asserted McMahon “will fight tirelessly” to empower parents in their education decisions.

During her previous tenure as the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), McMahon advocated for pro-growth policies. Her focus on reducing government intervention and opposing forced diversity and inclusion measures characterized her leadership style.

As education secretary, McMahon is expected to prioritize true educational freedom, advocating for measures to protect female athletes and ensure accountability within public schools. States, including Arizona, are poised to benefit from this shift in education policy.

McMahon has expressed a strong belief in shifting educational authority back to states and parents, rather than centralizing it within government bureaucracies. Her leadership of America First Works (AFW) reflects her commitment to championing universal school choice. This movement has gained traction across multiple states in recent years but requires further expansion. McMahon’s vision includes fostering competition between various educational models, from charter schools to homeschooling, to enhance learning outcomes for all students.

The timing of McMahon’s appointment is critical. She has the opportunity to address the Biden administration’s policies that impact women’s sports. The previous administration’s directives requiring transgender men to compete in women’s sports raised significant concerns about fairness, particularly regarding the physical advantages posed by biological males.

Beyond sports, McMahon’s administration will need to address safety in schools. Sexual abuse allegations in public schools have become a pressing issue, with mandatory reporting not always being followed. McMahon could implement policies requiring all school districts to document and report such allegations to ensure accountability and enhance student safety.

The Trump administration must take decisive action to protect children by establishing a centralized database for sexual abuse allegations within schools. This resource would aid in thorough background checks for prospective employees, promoting a safer educational environment.

Shawnna Bolick, a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation and Arizona State Senator, has been an advocate for legislation aimed at protecting students from sexual predators. Having served in various capacities in the Arizona Legislature since 2019, Bolick’s experience underscores her commitment to education reform and student safety.