What’s Going On with the Department of Education & What exactly is the DOE?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, and it’s making waves across the country. The Trump administration has been pushing for this move, arguing that education should be handled at the state level rather than by the federal government. President Donald Trump has called the department wasteful and claims it’s been taken over by political agendas.

The U.S. Department of Education, a Cabinet-level agency, was established in 1980 after being signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. As the smallest Cabinet department, it had just over 4,000 employees in 2021 and a budget of $268 billion. 

The department oversees federal financial aid, managing programs like Pell Grants for low-income students and federal student loans. It distributes funding through initiatives like Title I for low-income schools and IDEA grants for students with disabilities. It also collects education data via the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and drives reform through policies like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Additionally, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces anti-discrimination laws, ensuring equal access to education regardless of race, gender, disability, or national origin. Through these efforts, the department supports students, schools, and nationwide educational progress.

Where Do Things Stand Right Now?

On March 3, 2025, Linda McMahon was confirmed as the new Secretary of Education, and her main job? Overseeing the department’s shutdown. But here’s the catch—getting rid of a federal department isn’t simple. Congress has to approve it, and that’s where things get complicated. Expect a lot of debate and political maneuvering in the months ahead.

What Happens to Federal Education Programs?

The Department of Education handles a ton of important programs, like federal student loans, funding for low-income schools, and support for special education. If the department disappears, these programs could change dramatically—or even be eliminated.  Critics worry that this could make education even more unequal. Programs like Title I (which helps schools in low-income areas) and Pell Grants (which help students afford college) might be affected, leaving some students without the financial support they need.

How Will Public Schools Be Affected?

Public schools across the U.S. depend on federal funding for things like special education, school meal programs, and teacher training. If those funds disappear, states would have to pick up the slack—and not all of them may be willing or able to do so. This could lead to major differences in school quality depending on where you live. Another big concern? Civil rights protections. The Department of Education plays a major role in enforcing rules against discrimination based on gender, race, and disability. Without federal oversight, some states might roll back these protections or enforce them inconsistently.

What About Colleges and Universities?

Higher education would also feel the impact. Right now, the Department of Education manages federal student loans and grants, which help millions of students pay for college. If those responsibilities shift to the states, some students could have a much harder time affording tuition, especially in states with fewer resources. Another issue is college oversight. The federal government currently ensures that schools meet basic educational standards and protects students from shady for-profit colleges. Without that oversight, there’s concern that predatory institutions could take advantage of students with little accountability.

What Are People Saying?

Teachers, education advocates, and civil rights organizations aren’t happy about this. The National Education Association (which represents millions of teachers) says dismantling the department could be devastating for students in low-income areas. There’s also concern about losing nationwide protections against discrimination. If each state sets its own rules, students in some areas might have fewer protections than others.

So, What’s Next?

Whether the Department of Education actually gets dismantled remains to be seen, but even if it’s just restructured, it could completely change how education works in the U.S. Supporters say it would give more power to states and local communities, but critics worry about the impact on public schools, college students, and civil rights protections.

As this unfolds, it’s important to keep an eye on what happens next—because it could have a huge impact on students, teachers, and families across the country.

If you’re concerned about the future of public education, now is the time to speak up. Contact your representatives in Congress and let them know how important federal education programs are to students, schools, and communities. A simple call or email can make a difference. Let’s ensure that all students—no matter where they live—have access to quality education and the support they need to succeed.

Note: The information in this post is based on recent reports and may evolve as the situation develops.

Fidler, Matt. "Trump's Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education Sparks Debate." Financial Times, 5 Mar. 2025, www.ft.com/content/e7e33c26-3b86-4e74-ba95-b4a7bcc270f1.

National Education Association. "Dismantling the Department of Education: What It Means for Teachers and Students." NEA Today, 2025, www.nea.org/education-policy.

Emma Goos

BCDP Operations Liaison

Berrien County Democratic Party