If Trump gets rid of Department of Education, what would it mean for schools?
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November 18, 2024
TLDR: President-elect Trump plans to eliminate Department of Education affecting college student loans, public school special education aids in America's schools.
In a recent podcast episode titled, "If Trump gets rid of the Department of Education, what would it mean for schools?", host Mary Louise Kelly and guest Corey Turner explore the implications of President-elect Trump’s promise to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The discussion delves into the historical context, political feasibility, and potential impacts on American schools.
Background and Key Concepts
Trump’s Proposal
- Elimination of the DOE: Trump aims to close the Department of Education and transfer educational responsibilities back to the states, a move that aligns with his conservative agenda and Project 2025.
- Historical Context: The DOE was established during the Carter administration, about 40 years ago, to ensure equitable access to education and oversee various programs, like student loans and special education funding.
Support and Opposition
- Reactions from Educators: Educators, including Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, express concern that dismantling the DOE would undermine opportunities for all students and diminish the federal government’s role in educational equity.
- Conservative Support: Despite traditional Republican support for eliminating the DOE, this proposal has failed to gain substantial traction in Congress over the decades.
Political Feasibility of Eliminating the DOE
Congressional Approval Required
- Limits of Presidential Power: Turner explains that Trump cannot independently shut down the DOE; it requires Congressional votes to officially abolish it since it was created by an act of Congress.
- Senate Dynamics: Even though Republicans control Congress, passing such legislation would be complicated due to the Senate filibuster requiring 60 votes, making broad consensus necessary.
Alternatives and Likely Outcomes
- On-Going Funding Programs: Even if the DOE were closed, funding programs such as Title I for low-income schools might continue without interruptions. These programs were created through acts of Congress and would need separate legislative action to be dismantled.
- Bipartisan Support for Key Programs: There’s significant bipartisan agreement on the importance of funding like Title I, particularly since many affected schools are in poor rural areas, making it politically difficult for Republicans to advocate for cuts.
Impact on Education Regulations
Trump’s Ability to Change Regulations
- Regulatory Adjustments: Turner notes that while abolishing the DOE is unlikely, Trump could utilize regulatory measures to align the DOE with his administration's values. For instance, significant topics like Title IX protections are subject to reinterpretation by the current administration.
- Shifting Interpretations of Laws: The ongoing political back-and-forth regarding Title IX serves as a prime example, where successive administrations have altered its interpretation, reflecting changing political climates.
Insight from Experts
- Max Eden (American Enterprise Institute): Eden highlights that gutting current funding streams or educational programs seems implausible given their bipartisan support and importance to many constituents, effectively making them ‘autopilot’ programs that ensure stability.
- Rachel Pereira (Brookings Institution): Pereira echoes this sentiment, stating that significant educational programs are unlikely to be attacked as they have proven essential and politically supported across party lines.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The episode underscores the complexities surrounding the future of education in the U.S. under Trump's potential leadership.
- Increased Political Tug-of-War: The regulatory landscape will likely experience turbulence, with new interpretations of laws affecting student rights and funding being implemented depending on who holds the presidency.
- Ongoing Discussion: As debates on education evolve, remaining informed about the interplay between legislation, state responsibilities, and federal government roles will be crucial for educators, policymakers, and parents alike.
In conclusion, while the outright elimination of the Department of Education appears unlikely due to political and practical barriers, the administration’s ability to influence educational policy through regulatory changes signals potential shifts in the educational landscape that could have lasting effects on students and schools nationwide.
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