The legislation Hochul is proposing is both direct and vague: It requires school districts to implement a school-wide, full-day ban on cell phones but gives them control over how to do it.

The orders seek to encourage “patriotic education” and restrict discussions about racism and gender by threatening to withdraw federal funding. But schools are often resistant to change.

Trump signed orders Wednesday to punish schools for teaching about race and gender, promote school choice, and facilitate deportation for some campus protesters.

Education policy is set by the state Board of Regents, who are chosen by the State Legislature. Under law, local school boards have great latitude in what is taught in schools.