Incoming president-elect Donald Trump is proposing significant changes to how the U.S. operates. Among his ideas are reclaiming the Panama Canal, buying Greenland, and making Canada the 51st state—all suggested in one day.
His inner circle has shared plans that include major corporate tax cuts, reducing the size of the government, and dismantling programs aimed at tackling climate change and helping low-income families, such as the Affordable Care Act, Head Start, and SNAP benefits.
One of his most controversial proposals is to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Trump argues that education should be managed strictly at the state level, saying states know what’s best for their students. He believes the federal government should step back entirely from education.
This would be a significant policy shift with far-reaching effects. The federal government began playing a bigger role in education in the 1950s, partly to address the competition from the Soviet Union in science and math. The need for equitable education became even clearer in the 1960s, leading to the establishment of the Department of Education during the Carter administration.
Before this federal involvement, many states had policies that barred access to education for various groups, particularly those facing health challenges or racial segregation. The creation of the Department of Education helped ensure that all students had a right to education, aligning states with federal civil rights standards.
If the federal government reduces its role in education, we could see negative changes. For instance, some states might begin to include religious content in classrooms or overlook issues of race and gender. We could witness a rise in school voucher programs, allowing public funds to be used for private schools. While this sounds like a good choice for some, it could severely limit funding for public schools, leaving them struggling to provide quality education.
At the college level, less federal oversight could lead to a similar situation. Institutions may compete for limited funding and might be forced to change their curricula to attract students. We could see a decline in essential studies, like sociology or diversity programs, to accommodate new preferences.
Overall, these shifts could undermine American public education and impede workforce development in key industries. The impact could affect students across the spectrum, from kindergarten to college graduation, and ultimately change the job market for many fields, including health care and technology.
While the U.S. education system has issues, completely removing federal oversight won’t solve these problems. Many in the education community are concerned about the potential destruction of essential programs and protections. It’s critical that we pay attention to these changes as they unfold.
Stanley Litow has significant experience in education, having served as deputy chancellor of schools in New York City. He now teaches at Columbia University and co-authored a book on improving educational pathways for students.
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College to careers,Data and research,Segregation,Trump administration
