Season One of the Freedom to Learn podcast concluded on a triumphant note, with three episodes celebrating the federal scholarship tax credit’s inclusion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, opening K-12 scholarship opportunities nationwide. Since launching the podcast last fall, we’ve spotlighted school choice victories in Texas, Tennessee, and New Hampshire, featured high-profile guests such as Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Senator Ted Cruz, shared powerful stories from courageous mothers protecting their children from gender ideology, and highlighted education freedom and parental rights advocates from across the country. Missed an episode? Catch up on these inspiring conversations!

We’re taking a break, but will return after Labor Day for Season Two. Expect deep dives into President Trump’s plan to return education to the states, exploring what dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and devolving power out of Washington, D.C., means for parents, students, educators, and policymakers. Follow us on your favorite platform and DFI’s YouTube channel for new weekly episodes starting in September. 

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This week’s episode dives into the intricacies of the newly enacted federal scholarship tax credit with Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs at Agudath Israel of America. We explore how this groundbreaking legislation is set to expand educational opportunities by enabling tax credits for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, directly benefiting K-12 students nationwide. Rabbi Motzen offers a behind-the-scenes look at his faith-based organization’s tireless advocacy on Capitol Hill and the collaborative efforts that propelled this historic initiative forward. 

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

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U.S. Senator Ted Cruz joins the podcast to share a behind-the-scenes look at the Senate’s passage of the new federal scholarship tax credit. He details negotiations with the Senate Parliamentarian, fending off a middle-of-the-night amendment to kill the provision, and meeting with President Trump about the tax credit. Senator Cruz shares his conviction that school choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century and every child deserves access to an excellent education.

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by the President on July 4th includes a new federal K-12 scholarship tax credit that could expand education freedom nationwide. Starting in 2027, individual taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to K-12 scholarship granting organizations. John Schilling, senior advisor for the American Federation for Children and DFI Action, joins the podcast to walk listeners through the nuts and bolts of the federal tax credit, the twists and turns of the legislative process, and anticipated regulations and legislative fixes.

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

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School choice trailblazer Jason Bedrick joins the podcast to explore the evolution of education freedom in New Hampshire and beyond. From his roots as a young legislator to his role in passing groundbreaking policies, Jason shares insights on the fight to expand educational options for families. Jason also debunks myths about school choice—does it break budgets, favor the wealthy, or leave special needs students behind? 

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

After Tennessee expanded the state’s Education Freedom Scholarships program during a special legislative session earlier this year, demand for the state’s education savings accounts (ESAs) soared. TN Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds joins the podcast to discuss school choice implementation, parent empowerment, investing in literacy, and getting teacher training right. She decries the “soft bigotry of low expectations” and shares the education policy actions she hopes the federal government will take.

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

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Last month, Governor Greg Abbott signed the nation’s largest day-one universal school choice program into law. Madison Yandell, the governor’s education advisor, and Vanessa Tanner, chief of staff to Texas House Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley, join the podcast to discuss how education savings accounts (ESAs) finally passed in Texas and the roles of various stakeholders in the legislative process. Madison and Vanessa also explain the ESA program’s funding, prioritization of vulnerable children, and implementation plans. As we conclude, they respond to common misconceptions about the program and describe the state’s investment of $8.5 billion in new funding for public education and teacher salaries. 

What Parents Need to Know About the New Texas Education Savings Account: https://myschoolchoice.com/opportunities/texas-education-savings-account

Families Empowered: Find a School That Works for You: https://familiesempoweredtx.org/

🔗 Links & Resources:

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

New Hampshire is now the 17th state to offer an education freedom program to every student in the state. Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed legislation that expanded eligibility for the state’s education savings accounts (ESA) program to all K-12 students, regardless of their family income. Jody Underwood joins the podcast to discuss how her organization helps New Hampshire families navigate their growing options. Jody shares insights from her time on the school board and explains the state’s options, including town tuitioning, Education Freedom Accounts, tax credit scholarships, and the Learn Everywhere program. 

New Hampshire’s Legislature Passes Landmark School Choice Bill: https://www.federationforchildren.org/afc-congratulates-new-hampshires-legislature-for-passing-landmark-school-choice-bill/

Education Options New Hampshire: https://edopt.org/

🔗 Links & Resources:

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🎧 Thank You for Listening:
Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. My colleague Paul Zimmerman joins the podcast to explain Title IX’s original intent to ensure equal educational opportunities regardless of sex, the regulatory evolution and whiplash in recent years, and regulators' attempts to push gender ideology and weaken parental rights. We conclude with a discussion about DFI’s RESPECT Title IX Act, a model law that provides Title IX policy clarity and stability.

🔗 Links & Resources:

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If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at [email protected].

🎧 Thank You for Listening:
Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

Erin Lee, executive director of Protect Kids Colorado, shares her harrowing experience navigating gender ideology’s impact on her daughter. She discusses the alarming rise of rapid onset gender dysphoria, the cult-like mentality surrounding gender identity, and the challenges parents face in protecting their children from school policies and societal pressures. Erin shares practical steps parents can take to protect their children from harmful ideologies and highlights Colorado’s radical laws affecting parental rights and child safety.

Stop Gender Ideology: https://www.stopgenderideology.com/

Art Club Movie: https://www.artclubmovie.com/

Defending Education Files Joint Lawsuit Against Colorado State Over New “Anti-Discrimination” Law: https://defendinged.org/lawsuits/defending-education-files-joint-lawsuit-against-colorado-state-over-new-anti-discrimination-law/

🔗 Links & Resources:

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📩 Contact Us:
If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!