ISLAMABAD: As US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to shut down the US Department of Education, it has sparked serious concern among educators, parents, and advocacy organizations who fear the repercussions for millions of students across the country.
Trump is advancing his plan to abolish the Department of Education to fulfil a long-held campaign promise.
Following the recent Senate confirmation of Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, to lead the agency, Trump is expected to sign an executive order to disband it.
Trump has termed the department as filled with “radicals, zealots, and Marxists,” claiming it has failed American students.
A White House fact sheet asserts that eliminating the department will empower families and local communities by shifting control of education away from bureaucracies.
Harrison Fields, the White House principal deputy press secretary, cited troubling National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores as evidence of a national crisis in education.
He also criticized Democratic policies that, he claims, have strained school resources by allowing millions of illegal minors into the country.
McMahon expressed her support for the administration’s plans, emphasizing the need to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in a memo shortly after her confirmation.
However, the American Federation of Teachers has sharply opposed the executive order, urging Congress to uphold the federal government’s responsibility to ensure educational opportunity for all children.
Over 60% Americans oppose
A recent poll indicated that over 60% of Americans oppose the department’s abolition.
Despite Trump’s push, Congress must approve such a significant change, which requires 60 votes in the Senate. Currently, the Republican majority stands at 53.
Nevertheless, some members of Congress, like Rep. Thomas Massie, have introduced measures to dismantle the agency by 2026.
Critics argue that the Department of Education serves a vital role in ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Trump has long criticized the Department of Education, asserting that it fosters a “one-size-fits-all” model that stifles local control and indoctrinates children.
“We spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, and we’re ranked at the bottom of the list,” he remarked, advocating for a return to state and local management of schools.
However, experts caution that dismantling the department could have severe implications for educational funding, equity, and quality across the nation.
Impacts on education funding
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in distributing federal funding to K-12 schools, including vital programs such as Title I, which supports low-income students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures services for students with disabilities.
Together, these initiatives account for approximately $28 billion annually, representing about 10% of total public school funding.
If the department were to be eliminated, the loss of these funds could exacerbate existing disparities in school resources, particularly in underfunded districts.
While some funding could potentially be moved to other agencies, the uncertainty surrounding the future of these programs raises concerns among educators and parents alike.
Anti-discrimination protections
Beyond funding, the Department of Education is responsible for enforcing civil rights protections in schools.
The Office of Civil Rights investigates discrimination complaints and has implemented regulations to protect minority and marginalized groups.
The potential dismantling of the department raises questions about how these protections would be maintained and enforced.
“The absence of a centralized authority could lead to a patchwork of policies that vary significantly from state to state,” warned civil rights advocates.
“This could jeopardize the progress made in protecting students from discrimination and ensure that all students receive a fair and equitable education.”
Student loans
The department also oversees federal student loans and grants, including the widely-utilized Pell Grant program. While eligibility for these programs is set by Congress, the administration of loans and grants could face significant changes.
If the department’s role in student lending is reduced or eliminated, students may find themselves relying more heavily on private lenders, which could lead to higher interest rates and less favourable repayment options.
Current students with federal loans may also face disruptions in servicing as their loans could be transferred to other agencies or private servicers.
This transition could complicate existing repayment plans and efforts to provide loan forgiveness, particularly for those working in public service fields.
