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By Tahar Rajab
News and Features Journalist
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin shutting down the U.S. Department of Education, a move that could radically reshape how schools are funded and regulated across the country.
While supporters argue that eliminating the DOE will reduce federal overreach, critics warn that it could lead to funding shortfalls, disrupt student loan programs, and weaken protections for marginalized students.
Here's a look at what the DOE does and what its potential closure could mean for American education.
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The Department of Education Explained
Created in 1979, the DOE oversees federal education policy, enforces civil rights laws in schools, and distributes billions of dollars in funding to K-12 and higher education institutions. Its main functions include:
- Administering Federal Education Funding: The DOE distributes money to states and school districts, including Title I grants for low-income schools and special education funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Managing Student Financial Aid: The department oversees federal student loans and grants, such as Pell Grants, which help millions of students afford college.
- Enforcing Civil Rights Protections: Through its Office for Civil Rights, the DOE ensures that schools comply with federal laws on discrimination, including protections for students with disabilities.
- Research and Data Collection: The department gathers nationwide education data, informing policy decisions and identifying achievement gaps.
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Can Trump Legally Shut Down the Department of Education?
While Trump's executive order will set the process in motion, fully eliminating the DOE requires an act of Congress. The DOE was established by the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979, and any effort to dismantle it must pass both the House and Senate. With Democrats and some Republicans opposing the move, the plan faces significant legislative hurdles.
How Would Federal Education Funding Be Affected?
The DOE provides billions of dollars in funding to states and school districts. If the department is shut down, this funding would either be eliminated or transferred to state governments. Critics argue that this could exacerbate inequalities, as wealthier states would be able to compensate for lost federal funds while poorer states might struggle.
New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut receive the least federal funding per pupil, often below $2,500. This suggests that states with greater financial resources are less dependent on federal assistance, potentially widening disparities if the DOE is eliminated.
What Happens to Federal Student Loans if the DOE Closes?
Trump's executive order to shut down the Department of Education raises uncertainty over the future of federal student loans. The DOE oversees a $1.5 trillion loan portfolio for nearly 43 million borrowers.
If the department is dismantled, these responsibilities would likely be transferred to another federal agency, but it remains unclear how smoothly that transition would occur. Critics warn that such a shift could disrupt loan repayments and student aid programs.
How Would Special Education and Low-Income Schools Be Impacted?
Programs like Title I and IDEA provide crucial support for low-income students and those with disabilities. If the DOE is eliminated, how or if these programs would be maintained is unclear. Advocates warn that without federal oversight, states may reduce funding, leaving vulnerable students without necessary resources.
Former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on March 12 on social media: "The significant reductions in force at the Department will affect the distribution of Title I funding for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and reduce much-needed resources for our students with disabilities."
What Teachers and Parents Should Expect if the DOE Shuts Down
If the DOE is abolished, individual states would determine education policy. This could lead to greater disparities in education quality, with well-funded states able to maintain services while others struggle. Teachers may also see changes in professional development programs and certification requirements.
What Has Education Secretary Linda McMahon Said?
Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports Trump's plan to shut down the Department of Education, stating it will "empower parents and local communities."
She said student loans and federal funding programs like Pell Grants and Title I will continue. McMahon also emphasized shifting focus to core subjects and cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling the move a "historic overhaul."
Who Supports and Opposes Closing the Department of Education?
Supporters of shutting down the Department of Education argue that education should be controlled at the state and local levels, free from federal interference. Trump has said that eliminating the DOE would "return power to parents and local communities."
The conservative group Alliance for the Separation of School and State also argues that education is not a legitimate function of the federal government and should be handled locally.
Opponents warn that eliminating the DOE could harm students who rely on federal funding and protections.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called the move a "lawless attack on kids and schools," and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said that shutting down the department would "strip students of vital resources and tear down essential protections against racial and economic inequality."
What Comes Next? The Future of US Education Without the DOE
If Congress agrees to shut down the DOE, its functions would be reassigned to other federal agencies or state governments. This transition could be complex, leading to potential disruptions in funding, student loans, and civil rights enforcement.
The long-term impact largely depends on how states manage education without federal oversight.
What Happens Next
Trump's executive order to dismantle the DOE marks a significant shift in U.S. education policy. While supporters see it as a step toward reducing federal control, critics argue it could harm students and widen inequalities. With Congress set to debate the issue, the future of federal education policy remains uncertain.
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