Exploring the Consequences: How Eliminating the Department of Education Affects Students and Schools

After the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which declared that racial segregation in schools is unconstitutional, some white supremacists chose to bomb and destroy Black schools rather than integrate. Fast forward to today, and we see a new challenge to educational equity. Recently, President Donald Trump has been moving towards dissolving the Department of Education. This department plays a vital role in funding many schools, particularly those that serve under-resourced Black communities.

During his campaign, Trump promised to dismantle this department, and now, he is reportedly preparing executive orders to make it happen. Linda McMahon, his pick to lead the department, has been vocal about supporting this move to abolish it altogether.

This situation is not just about policies; it’s an ideological battle. On one side, there are those who want to create an America that supports all children. On the other, there are those who aim to erase parts of our history and revert back to some troubling policies that led to school segregation.

Currently, many Black students are still in segregated and poorly funded classrooms. Cutting the Department of Education would only worsen this situation. Instead of federal support, the Trump administration is pushing a school voucher system that benefits families who already have means, allowing them to send their children to private schools. This undermines the public school system, which should be accessible to everyone. Furthermore, without federal oversight, students with disabilities might not receive the services they are entitled to by law.

The impact of Trump’s presidency has affected various student groups. For example, immigrant families are keeping their children home from school out of fear of deportation. LGBTQ students face greater risks as the administration has rolled back policies supporting diversity and inclusion.

Public schools are essential for cultivating informed and engaged citizens. When they are well-funded and inclusive, they can help create a truly equitable society. Horace Mann, a key figure in American public education, once said that “public education is the cornerstone of our community and our democracy.” This public nature ensures everyone has access to quality education.

The proposed executive orders signal a troubling trend. By weakening or eliminating the Department of Education, the Trump administration threatens the future of public schools and the push for educational equity. These changes could harm millions of students and worsen educational outcomes for years to come.

The Department of Education also enforces critical civil rights laws, such as Title VI, which prohibits racial discrimination in schools, and Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination. Without this oversight, schools may become less accountable and more likely to ignore issues of discrimination based on race, gender identity, or other factors.

Failing to protect students’ rights could further strengthen the school-to-prison pipeline, where Black students face harsher punishments. It could also increase disparities in resource allocation, leaving schools that predominantly serve students of color with fewer opportunities and materials.

Moreover, recommendations like the elimination of the Title I program, which funds schools with high numbers of low-income students, could take away nearly $18 billion in support. This loss would be devastating, affecting nearly three million children and potentially eliminating 180,000 teaching jobs. This would further strain classrooms that are already overcrowded and under-resourced.

Funding from Title I significantly helps high-poverty schools, whether they are located in white communities or multiracial urban areas. For Black children, losing this funding would likely lead to more educational gaps, higher dropout rates, and less economic mobility in the future.

The promise of Brown has yet to be fully realized. While we have made progress, much more needs to be done. We require well-funded schools where all children can feel safe and supported. 

To protect our children’s education, communities must come together. They must advocate for local policies that shield students from discrimination and compensate for any loss of support from the Department of Education. Education should be a pathway for progress, allowing each generation the chance to contribute positively to society. Protecting our educational system is crucial—it is all about the future of this country.

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