The Metro: Detroit students navigate a new political climate
Imani Foster of 482 Forward joined the show to share how the Trump administration’s sweeping policy changes are affecting young people in Detroit.
Attendees cheer as President Donald Trump speaks after taking the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
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President Donald Trump said he will shut down the U.S. Department of Education. While a lot of education policy happens at the state and local level, the department of education manages student loans and grants, and it monitors how schools are treating vulnerable kids, like those with disabilities.
In the weeks since Trump took office, he’s also made swift changes to the country’s immigration policies, promising mass deportations. In immigrant communities like Southwest Detroit, that has led to some kids staying home from school out of fear.
It’s also been tough for young people already struggling to get by and fit in. Trump has used ugly rhetoric to talk about transgender people and he’s ended DEI efforts at the federal level.
Imani Foster, communications lead for the student advocacy organization 482 Forward, joined The Metro on Monday to help us better understand how this changing political climate is affecting young people in Detroit.
Hear more stories from The Metro on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2025.
Tuesday’s question:
“Are you afraid to get in an accident when walking and biking around Detroit?”
Join the conversation by calling 313-577-1019 or leaving us an Open Mic message on the WDET app.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
