Republicans want to get rid of the Department of Education. What would happen if they did?
At the Republican National Convention last week, multiple speakers addressed the issue of cutting funding for schools teaching critical race theory and allowing transgender athletes to compete through Title IX. Republicans like Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida emphasized “universal school choice,” advocating for more parental involvement in their children’s education.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed this sentiment, stating, “We believe schools should educate, not indoctrinate. We stand for parents’ rights, including universal school choice.” Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, criticized the current education system, calling it a platform for brainwashing children instead of focusing on fundamental learning.
Amidst the ongoing debate between Republicans and Democrats on how to approach public education in the U.S., a growing number of parents and voters support the idea of having more control over their children’s educational content. While education in the U.S. is primarily managed by state and local governments, the federal government also plays a role in providing funding and setting certain requirements through the Department of Education (DOE).
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, there has been a noticeable increase in Republican calls to dismantle the DOE. But what would the implications of such a move be?
The Republican argument against the Department of Education stems from the belief that federal funding should not support curriculums teaching critical race theory, gender ideology, or other controversial topics. Republicans like DeSantis have pushed for banning certain teachings and subjects in schools, which they deem as promoting ideological conformity.
While Republicans emphasize the need to give more control to state and local authorities in education, Democrats and supporters of the DOE highlight the agency’s role in providing crucial support and resources to schools nationwide. The DOE states that only 8% of elementary and secondary education funding comes from the federal government, underscoring the primarily state and local responsibility in education.
Despite its critics, including former President Trump, who has advocated for abolishing the DOE, the agency serves important functions such as overseeing student loans, implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and providing financial assistance to schools with high numbers of low-income students through Title I.
Discussions around dismantling the Department of Education have intensified in recent months, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. However, experts caution that completely eliminating the DOE would be a complex and challenging endeavor.
While proposals have been made to significantly cut funding for various DOE programs, the practical implications of such actions could have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting millions of students, teachers, and schools across the country.
Given the intricacies and complexities involved in restructuring or abolishing a federal agency, any potential changes to the Department of Education would likely require substantial congressional approval and careful consideration of the impact on education in the United States.
