There is a lot of discussion regarding the Department of Education (ED), as multiple news outlets have reported on President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the ED on Thursday, March 6th. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweeted that this was “fake news,” even though President Trump’s campaign targeted the elimination of the ED. First reported by The Wall Street Journal, the executive order has been underway before President Trump was sworn into office.

The Washington Post reported that the draft of the executive order includes the fact that President Trump doesn’t have the jurisdiction to abolish the ED, and that 60 Senators will need to vote in favor of it. However, there are only 53 Republican Senators. The order directs the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Education Department” based on “the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

Established in 1980, the Department of Education is a cabinet level agency of the U.S. government that oversees federal funding for public schools. The ED provides opportunities for students, while also protecting their civil rights and facilitating research to improve and develop educational practices. 

Additionally, the ED administers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows students to apply for financial aid and determines their eligibility. FAFSA is a widely used program, especially for students who don’t have suitable financial situations, as it allows them to receive federal loans for college. 

While providing grants and loans for students, the ED also protects their civil rights. The Office of Civil Rights protects students from discrimination, whether based on race, color, or nationality, or disability status. The ED investigates civil rights violations, and if they find any institutes that violate said rights, then they will be referred to the Department of Justice for further measures. 

The Department of Education also funds and facilitates research that goes to improving education and development. By funding this research, the ED can find new ways to keep improving schools, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. The Department of Education says that their mission is, “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” 

The current U.S. Administration has spoken about dismantling the Department of Education, which would have enormous effects on students all over the states, especially low-income communities who need the support and funds from the ED. Students would also lose protections over their civil rights, as the ED has many programs and resources that go towards making sure students in the U.S. are safe in their schools.

Advocates for the Department of Education believe in its importance, as it not only funds public schools, but also protects students with disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). By dismantling the ED, these students would lose access to all kinds of valuable resources and protections that the ED grants them. For example, Section 504 requires school districts to give “free appropriate public education,” to students with any kind of disabilities, no matter their severity, while also protecting them against any discrimination. 

Title I is another federal program included in the Department of Education. Title I provides public schools with educational services to help low income students and families. Removing Title I would heavily affect students at Hoover, as it provides funds that go to providing resources and support that will help students get a equal, high quality education.

On the other hand, opposition to the Department of Education believes that there should be less government involvement when it comes to education, instead having the states be in charge. According to NBC News, people for the closing of the Department of Education want education to go back to the states and school choice, as the U.S. government spends trillions of dollars on public schools.

This has been an ongoing debate since the establishment of the Department of Education in the early ‘90s, and as the conversation continues, the fate of the ED is still unknown.