Debate Heats Up Over Potential Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education

The potential dismantling or closure of the U.S. Department of Education has raised numerous questions and concerns. Here are three key points to consider regarding this issue.

Firstly, the ultimate authority in education lies with the states, as established by the 10th Amendment. Education is unequivocally a state issue, and the states are in charge. This foundational principle underscores the decentralized nature of educational governance in the United States.

Secondly, it is important to understand the primary functions of the Federal Department of Education. The department primarily handles two critical areas: funding and the enforcement of educational laws.

Regarding funding, federal money typically flows from the Treasury Department to the Federal Department of Education and then to the states. This includes Title I funds, Pell Grants, and other educational grants. If the Department of Education were dismantled, the funds would likely still be distributed, albeit through a different administrative route. For instance, in Worcester County, approximately 10% of the budget comes from federal funds, while Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County receive about 6% and 4%, respectively. These funds support various programs, including ROTC and federal lunch programs. The removal of the Department of Education would not necessarily mean the loss of these funds, but rather a change in how they are administered.

The second critical function of the Department of Education is the enforcement of educational laws. Key laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protect the rights of students with disabilities, would still need to be enforced. If the Department of Education were dismantled, the responsibility for enforcing these laws would likely shift to another federal agency, such as the Department of Justice. While this might seem like a significant change, the laws themselves would remain in place, ensuring continued protection for students.

The idea of dismantling the Federal Department of Education is not new. It has been a topic of debate for many years, with proponents arguing that education should be managed at the state level, as intended by the Constitution. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential impact on national educational standards and the consistency of educational quality across states.

In terms of the response from educational organizations, there has been a range of reactions. Local teachers’ unions have not been particularly vocal about the issue, although they may offer token support to their national counterparts, such as the National Education Association (NEA), which is opposed to the dismantling of the Department of Education. The NEA’s opposition is rooted in concerns about the potential loss of federal oversight and support for educational programs.

Recent developments have intensified the debate. President Trump has reiterated his intention to eliminate the Department of Education, a promise he made during his campaign

This has led to federal employee layoffs within the department, particularly affecting newer employees

Additionally, there are concerns about the impact on student loan programs, as the department’s dismantling could disrupt key operations, including federal student loan forgiveness and repayment programs

While the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education is a complex and contentious issue, it is important to recognize that the fundamental principles of educational governance and funding would remain intact. The states would continue to hold the ultimate authority in education, and federal laws protecting students’ rights would still be enforced. The primary changes would involve the administrative processes for distributing funds and enforcing laws. As the debate continues, it  stakeholders should stay informed and engaged in discussions about the future of education in the United States.