What Happens If the US Department of Education Is Abolished?
The prospect of dissolving the US Department of Education is gaining renewed attention. Advocates argue that it would shift decision-making power back to states and local governments, potentially allowing for more tailored approaches to education. Critics, however, contend that such a move could create disparities, jeopardize federal protections, and disrupt essential programs that millions of students and institutions rely on.
This proposal, championed by former President Donald Trump and supported by some Republican legislators, has reignited a debate about the role of federal oversight in education. Let’s explore the department’s responsibilities, the feasibility of its abolition, and the potential consequences for K-12 and higher education.
The Department’s Role in US Education
Created in 1979 during President Jimmy Carter’s administration, the Department of Education was intended to streamline federal efforts in education and ensure equitable access to quality schooling. Its responsibilities include:
- Financial Aid Distribution: Administering federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. In 2023 alone, $114.1 billion was allocated to over 9.7 million college students.
- Title I Funding: Supporting schools serving low-income communities.
- Civil Rights Protections: Enforcing anti-discrimination laws in educational institutions.
- Special Education Overview: Ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Data collection and research: Gathering and analyzing education-related statistics to inform policy decisions.
The department has long been a target for criticism, particularly from those who view its role as an overreach into areas traditionally managed by states.
Calls to Abolish the Department
Historical Context
Efforts to eliminate the Department of Education are not new. Since its inception, conservative leaders have argued that education should be a state and local matter, citing the Constitution’s silence on federal involvement in education. Past proposals to dissolve the department have failed, often due to public opposition and concerns about how essential programs would be maintained.
Renewed Push Under Trump
In November 2023, Senator Mike Rounds introduced a bill to disband the department. Advocates of the proposal argue that federal control stifles innovation and creates unnecessary bureaucracy. Aron Boxer, CEO of Diversified Education Services, echoes this sentiment, noting growing frustration among parents who feel excluded from decisions about their children’s education.
Implications for K-12 Education
Support for Low-Income Schools (Title I)
Title I funding is critical for schools serving low-income populations, providing resources such as remedial instruction, technology, and mental health services. In 2022, $15.6 billion was distributed under Title I.
If the department were eliminated, these funds would likely become block grants distributed by states. Experts caution that such a shift could lead to inconsistencies and delays, particularly in states with limited administrative capacity. Without federal oversight, there is also a risk that funds may not reach the schools and students who need them most.
Protections for Students with Disabilities (IDEA)
The IDEA mandates that students with disabilities receive free, appropriate public education tailored to their needs. The federal government contributes about 12%-13% of the funding for special education services through IDEA.
Eliminating the department would shift responsibility for IDEA to states, potentially jeopardizing consistent enforcement. States with limited budgets might struggle to maintain current service levels, leaving vulnerable students at risk of losing essential accommodations and support.
Civil Rights Oversight
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), housed within the Department of Education, investigates cases of discrimination in schools and colleges. If the department is dissolved, this responsibility could be transferred to the Department of Justice. Critics argue that such a move might dilute the focus on education-specific discrimination, making it harder for students to access remedies for grievances.
Impact on Higher Education
Federal Financial Aid Programs
Federal student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study programs are pillars of college affordability in the US If the Education Department is abolished, these programs could be transferred to the US Treasury or private entities.
Pell Grants, which are need-based, are unlikely to be eliminated due to their bipartisan support. However, the administration of other financial aid programs may face disruptions, potentially affecting millions of students.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) could be scaled back or eliminated without federal oversight. Such a move would disproportionately affect students who rely on these programs to afford careers in public service fields.
Institutional support
Federal funding helps sustain smaller and under-resourced colleges, particularly minority-serving institutions. Critics warned that eliminating the department could create a more competitive funding landscape, favoring larger institutions with lobbying power and disadvantaging those serving marginalized communities.
Broader Impacts
Parental Control and Local Governance
Proponents of abolishing the department argue that decentralization would empower parents and local leaders to make decisions better suited to their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified calls for greater parental involvement, as families experienced disparities in remote learning and school closures.
Related: The Top 11 Hardest Colleges to Get Into: A Closer Look at America’s Most Selective Schools
Public Opinion
A 2024 Pew Research Center survey highlights the divided views on the Department of Education. While 64% of Republicans view it unfavorably, 62% of Democrats support it. This polarization reflects broader ideological debates about the role of government in public life.
Equity Concerns
Critics of dismantling the department warned that decentralization could exacerbate disparities between wealthy and low-income districts. Federal oversight plays a crucial role in addressing resource gaps and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
Feasibility of Abolishment
Eliminating the Department of Education would require congressional approval—a challenging feat given the current political landscape. Even within the Republican Party, there is no consensus as rural communities often depend on federal support to address resource disparities.
Gloria Blackwell, CEO of the American Association of University Women, notes that past efforts to dismantle the department have failed due to widespread concerns about losing vital programs.
Future outlook
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: any changes to the federal role in education will have far-reaching consequences. Policymakers must balance the desire for local control with the need for accountability and equity.
Dismantling the Department of Education would mark a seismic shift in American education policy, with implications for students, educators, and institutions nationwide. Whether this proposal gains traction or remains a political talking point, it underscores the complexity of governing a diverse and decentralized education system.
