What Would Happen to Education If the Department of Education Closed Under Trump? Exploring the Potential Impacts

CNA Staff, Jan 21, 2025 / 06:00 am

In October 2024, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump announced a plan to close the U.S. Department of Education. He proposed returning educational control to the states. However, this idea would require action from Congress. As people discuss Trump’s potential policies, it’s important to explore how the Department of Education affects Catholic schools and what closing it might mean.

Although private schools don’t receive government funding, many still engage with the Department of Education. This relationship helps them access various taxpayer-funded benefits.

The Department of Education, established in 1978, plays a crucial role. It manages funding for programs that support both elementary and secondary students, as well as federal student loans for those in higher education. Today, about 10% of public school funding comes from the federal government, with the remainder sourced from state and local taxes.

Two key programs under this department are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures education for students with special needs, and the Title I program, aimed at supporting children from low-income families.

For students in college, the Department oversees federal student loans and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Currently, students face over $1 trillion in federal student loan debt.

The Department also collects data on education through initiatives like the Nation’s Report Card and the Civil Rights Data Collection program. With a workforce of over 4,000 employees, the Department has a discretionary budget of about $80 billion for 2025.

The Department of Education directly impacts Catholic education by providing federal program benefits to private school students. Following the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, students in Catholic schools can access certain federal education initiatives. The department’s Office of Non-Public Education works to ensure that nonpublic school students and teachers participate in federal programs.

Catholic schools also engage with various national education statistics and assessments. Even though they don’t receive direct funding from the department, they benefit from services available through federal programs. According to Sister Dale McDonald, vice president for public policy at the National Catholic Educational Association, private schools function under a “child benefit theory,” meaning they receive aid based on need rather than direct funding.

Support for these programs is often sought through consultation, allowing private schools to request assistance for various educational needs, including professional development and technology upgrades.

While debate continues about the future of the Department of Education, it is not the first time such proposals have been made. Ronald Reagan’s administration also aimed to close it, though it ultimately backed down due to lack of support. The conversation has gained traction recently, heightened by discussions on school choice and public school critiques. Various legislators, like Sen. Mike Rounds, have suggested similar measures.

Experts like Jonathan Butcher from the Heritage Foundation believe that many educational responsibilities could be shifted to other government departments, asserting that the Department of Education has taken on roles better suited elsewhere. For instance, he argues that data collection could be managed by the Census Bureau, which already handles similar tasks.

Butcher suggests moving the department’s civil rights functions to the Department of Justice to ensure focused attention on these critical issues, emphasizing that the Department of Education’s primary role is managing funding rather than civil rights advocacy.

To dissolve the Department of Education, Congress would need to pass a bill, a challenging task given the current political landscape. Many lawmakers worry about the impact on public school funding and essential programs. Some analysts, such as Michael Petrilli of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, argue that significant cuts are unlikely, as they tend to be unpopular.

Others contend that keeping the Department open might be necessary for fulfilling certain obligations tied to Trump’s promises regarding school accountability and diversity initiatives.

Regardless of potential changes, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) remains committed to education within the Catholic Church. They are prepared to adapt to whatever policies emerge from the government, emphasizing their dedication to local education in parishes and schools.