Updated March 20th 2025, 15:27 IST
Washington: In a move that aligns with his long-standing campaign promise, US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order directing the shutdown of the Department of Education. This decision, which has been a goal of conservative leaders for decades, marks a major shake-up in the federal government's role in education.
Trump’s plan involves dismantling the department while ensuring that existing education programs and financial aid services continue without interruption. However, eliminating the agency entirely is a complex task that would likely require congressional approval.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has already slashed the Education Department’s workforce by half. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by his advisor Elon Musk, has canceled contracts deemed “woke” or unnecessary. This restructuring has particularly affected the Institute of Education Sciences, the government body responsible for collecting academic performance data across the country.
At its core, the Education Department manages federal funding for schools and universities, distributing billions of dollars annually. It also oversees the student loan program, providing financial aid to millions of American students. If the agency is dismantled, these responsibilities will have to be transferred to other government bodies.
One of the most significant roles of the Education Department is handling student loans. It currently manages a staggering $1.5 trillion in student debt for over 40 million borrowers. The department also oversees the Pell Grant, a program that provides financial aid to low-income students, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which universities rely on for distributing aid.
Under the Biden administration, student debt relief was a major focus. While the Supreme Court blocked Biden’s broad loan forgiveness plan, over $175 billion in targeted relief was granted to 4.8 million borrowers. These efforts, however, faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives, calling them illegal and unfair. However, he has yet to outline a concrete alternative for tackling the student debt crisis.
The Education Department also plays a crucial role in enforcing civil rights in schools. Through its Office for Civil Rights, the department investigates cases related to discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. This includes cases of racial bias in school funding, the treatment of LGBTQ+ students, and access to education for students with disabilities.
Trump’s approach to civil rights in education is expected to take a different direction. His administration has already prioritized complaints of antisemitism over other civil rights cases. He has also pledged to investigate colleges and schools accused of promoting “racial discrimination” through diversity and inclusion policies.
Another controversial move is his promise to remove transgender protections under Title IX, a law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools. The Biden administration expanded Title IX to include protections for LGBTQ+ students, but a federal court struck down those changes. Trump has vowed to roll back any remaining policies that support gender identity rights in education.
While the Education Department does not directly accredit colleges, it oversees accreditation agencies that determine whether schools qualify for federal funding. This system came under fire in 2022 when a major accreditor questioned political interference in Florida’s public universities.
Trump has stated that he plans to replace existing accreditors with new agencies that uphold “traditional American values.” His administration has also pushed for the removal of “Marxist” diversity officers from universities.
Published March 20th 2025, 15:27 IST