IA significant shift in policy has occurred with the signing of an executive order by President Donald Trump that calls for the dismantling of the Department of Education (DOE). This step is part of his campaign promise to reduce federal monitoring and give states more control over education. Although Congress must approve the department’s full closure, Trump’s administration has already reduced the department’s budget and workforce.
What Does the Executive Order Do?
The order, titled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” directs the newly confirmed Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to oversee the department’s downsizing. State governments will take on other duties, while essential responsibilities like managing student loans and federal education funds will remain at the federal level.
Among the significant changes are: Federal Funding Control: States will have greater authority over how federal monies are used for education.
Reduction in Civil Rights Oversight: DOE’s Office for Civil Rights will see significant staffing cuts, which may affect Title IX investigations.
DEI Rollback: Federally funded institutions are subject to rules that do away with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies.
Why Is Trump Targeting the Department of Education?
Trump has long criticized the Education Department for its size, inefficiency, and what he calls a promotion of “woke ideology.” He argues that states are better positioned to manage their educational needs without federal interference.
Student Performance: Despite billions of dollars in spending, pupils still score poorly on math and reading tests.
Federal Spending: The DOE manages almost $1.6 trillion in student loan debt and disburses more than $60 billion to K–12 schools each year.
Political Intentions: Trump’s criticism of racial-based policies and DEI projects has further fueled his push to reduce federal involvement in education.
What Is the Real Function of the Education Department?
The Department of Education serves three main objectives:
Gathering and Reporting Data: The government monitors data on school performance indicators and higher education through organizations such as the National Center for Education Statistics.
Student Loan Administration: The Federal Student Aid office, managed by DOE, processes FAFSA applications and administers student loans.
Civil Rights Enforcement: The Office for Civil Rights oversees Title IX investigations and ensures that colleges adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws.
While the executive order does not eliminate all of these responsibilities, it severely reduces the federal government’s role in monitoring state-level education systems.
What’s Next for the DOE?
Though Trump’s order mandates the department’s dismantling, full execution requires Congressional approval. McMahon will currently be in charge of overseeing a phased reduction in staff and funds. There may also be legal issues, especially with regard to student loan administration and human rights enforcement.
However, more actions to lessen the department’s function are still feasible because Trump’s party has clout in Congress.
Source: The Chronicle
