The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a cabinet-level federal agency that is responsible for overseeing education throughout the nation. The department was implemented in 1980 to centralize federal efforts, especially pertaining to underserved and minority populations. ED supports students and educational institutions both monetarily and through programs and outreach.
On March 20, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14242 calling for the complete dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Trump argues that the department is an overstep of authority, and wants control of education left up to the states. The president, who is outspoken about his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, claims the department is “wasteful and polluted by liberal ideology”. Dismantling the department of education is only one part of his agenda to end all DEI initiatives at all institutions in the U.S.
One main focus of the Department of Education is to enforce compliance with anti-discrimination statutes. The department aims to provide equal access and opportunities for all students regardless of race, gender, disability, etc. ED implements federal education policies which ensure students receive equal opportunity. This includes critical programs like Title IX, which prohibits gender and sex-based discrimination, and Section 504, which protects students with disabilities.
Without the Department of Education, there is no federal oversight of civil rights in universities. Without this oversight, schools may lack consistency in enforcing anti-discriminatory protections. Furthermore, educational standards may vary, as they will be left up to the liberty of the states. In worst cases, degrees may lose value, credibility, or recognized accreditation based on curriculum taught in the state or university.
The Department of Education also oversees the administration of student loans and grants such as Pell Grants, FAFSA, and Direct Loans to help students afford higher education. Federal loans funded by the Department of Education make up 92.2% of student loans. In the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 4.4 million, or 26% of undergraduate student students received federal student loans. Without the Department of Education, millions of students in the U.S. may not be able to afford higher education. Loans and grants will be left up to the discretion and funding of the state, with no federal oversight.
The loss of the Department of Education will disproportionately impact students of marginalized communities, including those who are low-income, LGBTQ+, disabled, and students of color. Millions of students depend on federal protections, financial aid, and equal access initiatives to attend university. The absence of federal support would worsen existing inequities, making it even more difficult for these students to succeed in higher education.