Plans spark nationwide concern from students, parents and teachers
In a surprising move that has left many Americans baffled, Donald Trump has announced his plan to defund the Department of Education, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for students, parents, teachers, and professionals across the nation. CNBC reports that Trump had mentioned this plan during his campaign, yet many were still taken aback when he took action just days after regaining control of the office.
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, expressed deep concern about the potential impact on students with learning challenges, such as those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. These plans provide critical support for students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal educational opportunities. Without federal funding, states and local offices would bear the financial burden of supporting these students.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) currently provides $15.4 billion in funding to support students with disabilities. Defunding the Department of Education would jeopardize this vital program, leaving disabled students without necessary resources.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which received $140 billion and ensures students are not subjected to discrimination, could also be affected. OCR’s role in fielding complaints, overseeing compliance reviews, and working with schools to develop corrective actions is crucial for maintaining educational equity. Additionally, Title IX, which protects against sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, may face threats under the Trump administration, particularly for the LGBTQIA community.
While Congress would need to approve the defunding of the Department of Education, the proposal has raised alarms about the future of public education. Many see it as an attack on public education and a threat to students who rely on financial aid and grants to access higher education. Historically, the Department of Education has existed since 1867 to ensure quality education for all students. However, 64% of Republicans and Republican-leaning Americans hold a negative view of the department.
The proposal to dismantle the Department of Education is part of Project 2025, a collection of policy plans developed by the right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation and supported by over 100 right-leaning companies. Despite Trump’s claims of not being involved, this plan aligns with his administration’s broader goals to cut spending.
Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt, a prominent supporter of the plan, stated, “It’s time to rethink our approach to education and focus on state and local solutions rather than federal oversight.”
The Department of Education currently manages federal student loans, issues Pell Grants, and provides funding for Title I schools, which support low-income students. Without federal support, there would be significant disparities in education quality across states.
Concerns about student loan forgiveness and public service job programs also loom large. The Biden administration’s efforts to provide student loan relief may be reversed, impacting young adults’ higher education and career paths.
Tessa Fiszer, a student at NECC (Northern Essex Community College), shared her thoughts on the potential impact of defunding the Department of Education. She said, “Higher education should be funded by federal taxes. As it is, every state has its own separate department of education; the Trump administration is defunding the federal one.
“The state DOEs receive funding through property taxes and state income tax. Ergo, the quality of every state’s education is determined by property value. I don’t call that equitable. This is a personal belief of mine, but I implore you, reader, to consider this: education should not be privatized.
“Everyone, no matter the wealth, should be going to public school. Everyone deserves the same quality of education. If a wealthy parent is displeased by education quality, they should invest in their public school of choice.” Fiszer added, “Capitalism is doomed to always end in de facto plutocracy, a system of government in which a select group of wealthy individuals rule. If a wealth tax or other leveling measures are not drafted, implemented, and enforced, our country will always be this way. I’m not suggesting socialism or communism, I’m advocating that the American people get their money back from he who might become our first trillionaire. If something is not fundamentally changed about the wealth distribution on a federal level, someone else will simply take the current Plutocrats’ place(s).
“Moreover, the act of defunding such a crucial piece of infrastructure sets a dangerous precedent that can, and likely will, be followed.”
She concluded, “I find it demeaning and oppressive. Most of us are already having to work full or part-time and sacrificing our focus on education to afford college tuition, adequate transportation, and/or rent, and Trump and his cronies decided to make it harder for us. They’re kicking us while we’re down and they know it.”
