Trump is putting America’s future in question with another risky executive order on the horizon
Florida – After signing SB 2-C into law, a legislation requiring students attending Florida high schools but living in the state without official permission to pay out-of-state tuition fees, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that the state’s colleges and universities should go a step further in fighting immigration and not accept students who are illegally living in the state. Regardless of the support, the new legislation and governor’s comments seem to be a huge step backwards when it comes to education.
These acts sparked a lot of controversy from critics, but they seem to be in accordance with Trump’s priorities and his determination to dismantle the Department of Education and give power to states to decide on their own about educational policies. Experts believe that such measure would have devastating long-term effects on millions of children, including low-income students and children with disabilities, ultimately putting at risk the future of our country.
Established in 1980, the Department of Education has been crucial in guaranteeing equal access to education among various populations. Still under planning, the alleged executive order would force Congress to create laws to eliminate the department and direct Linda McMahon, still to be confirmed as Secretary of Education, to create a shutdown strategy.
Critics argue that with stripping essential supports for students and teachers, this action might completely destroy the American educational system. Through initiatives like Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the department not only upholds civil rights protections for children of color and transgender young people but also offers crucial funds and services.
Experts and teachers sound the alarm about the consequences of either weakening or eliminating the Department of Education. President of the National Education Association Becky Pringle called the potential dismantling “giving up on our future.” Senior scholar at the Brookings Institution Jon Valant also reflected this feeling, characterizing the action as “extraordinary” and a “complete violation of our norms and laws.” States that mostly rely on federal education funding—including several that backed Trump in past elections—would heavily suffer from the implications of such a policy.
Furthermore, Trump’s attitude to education already reveals signs of major policy changes. In line with more general Republican educational agendas, he has already issued an executive order withdrawing money from institutions teaching topics like systematic racism and gender identity. These acts have already started to change the curriculum and the application of civil rights in classrooms.
Should the Department of Education’s prospective reversal take place, classroom numbers could rise and teacher employment may drastically drop. Such sharp cuts could require schools to reallocate money, therefore influencing extracurricular activities and special education.
Legal challenges are almost certain if Trump proceeds with these plans. Previous policies of his government, like attempts to revoke birthright citizenship, have already triggered a lot of lawsuits. Valant suggests that an overreaction could unintentionally hurt students and recommends schools to stay alert but not to pre-emptively follow unenforced rules.
Although Trump’s ultimate goals are yet unknown, the potential dismantling of the Department of Education marks a turning point for the American educational system that might change its basis for next generations. Emphasizing the need of keeping a strong federal role in ensuring educational access and equality, the education community and its supporters are preparing for a struggle.
