The process of shutting down the education system according to a statement of the white house signed by Former President Donald Trump. A great debate has been started that could hurt millions of students, while some believe that this step in education will give more control to the state over education.
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So, how is this decision for the educational future concerning teachers and students in the U.S.?
What’s in Trump’s Executive Order?
The Education Secretary Linda McMahon is ordered by Donald Trump to dismantle the Department of Education by transferring the individual state responsibilities. This order prevents extra federal funds being used in inclusion, Equity, and Diversity or gender-related policies.
Key Points of the Order:
- Begins the process of shutting down the Department of Education.
- Moves education oversight from the federal government to state governments.
- Blocks federal funds from supporting DEI and gender-related initiatives.
- Aims to simplify education funding and reduce federal influence.
Trump has long been critical of the Department of Education, calling it “a big con job” that has spent trillions of dollars since its creation in 1979 without significantly improving student performance.
Can Trump Actually Shut It Down?
As Donald Trump ordered the shutdown of the system of education because the students are unable to solve basic mathematics problems. But Trump can’t do it on his own because shutting down the Education system requires at least 60 Senate votes.
As of now, Republicans’ majority is 53-47 meaning at least seven Democrats would vote to support the move. The democrats other than the agreed showed no interest in eliminating the Education System due to the disability of Students to solve mathematics problems.
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At the same time, 20 state attorneys general have already filed a lawsuit to block the closure, arguing that Trump can’t bypass Congress to dismantle a federal agency.
How Would This Impact Schools and Students?
The Department of Education plays a big role in distributing federal funding to schools, enforcing civil rights protections, and managing student loans. If the agency shuts down, here are some possible effects:
1. School Funding Could Be Cut
- Currently about billions of dollars are funded for K-12 schools including low-income and students with disabilities.
- The state should figure out to distribute the money without federal oversight, which could be a result of funding between poor schools and wealthy districts.
2. Uncertainty for College Financial Aid
- The department manages $1.6 trillion in student loans. While Trump’s order doesn’t eliminate these programs, it’s unclear how student loans and grants would be handled if the agency shuts down.
3. Push for Private and Charter Schools
- The allies of Trump including Elon Musk a billionaire advised to choose policies that could lead students to charter and private schools.
- Supporters say this would create more educational opportunities, while critics argue it could weaken public schools by shifting resources away from them.
What Are People Saying?
The announcement has sparked strong reactions from politicians, civil rights groups, and education advocates.
- Derrick Johnson, NAACP President: “This is a dark day for the millions of American children who rely on federal funding for quality education.”
- Senator Patty Murray (D-WA): “Trump and Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the Department of Education.”
- White House Statement: “Federal control of education has failed students, parents, and teachers.”
Reducing the size of the federal government has been promised by Trump this move is aligned with his goal of cutting federal oversight in education.
What Happens Next?
As there are several legal challenges in motion and the approval is uncertain, currently the Department of Education is still at its peak. The Education Department is not yet affected by the order of Donald Trump and the advice of his allies. But if Trump won this another term, the drastic changes in the federal education policies would keep pushing.
Similarly, the students, parents, and educators are wondering how the education system of America could be shaped in the years ahead.
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