Education

The following provides information so you can learn of the impacts to students and parents, including our future, educational programs, and services from preschool, K-12, and college. It also provides how you can Take Action to help to protect education in the United States by contacting your U.S. Congressional Representative.

Negative Impacts of Closing the U.S. Department of Education

In the United States, while the free, public primary school education system is decentralized across thousands of local jurisdictions, it plays a crucial role in educating future citizens and in socializing students into civic/community life. Because of limitations in local resources, the Department of Education (DOE) was created to play a crucial role in maintaining the quality, accessibility, and consistency of education across the United States. Established in 1979, the DOE ensures equal educational opportunities, enforces federal education laws and standards, and provides funding for schools and programs that support students of all backgrounds.  Closing the Department of Education would have serious negative consequences, including decreased educational equity, weakened federal oversight, harm to families through reduced financial support, and long-term economic repercussions.

One of the primary concerns about closing the Department of Education is the loss of federal oversight, which helps maintain educational equity. The DOE ensures that all students, regardless of race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status, have access to quality education. The department enforces critical laws such as Title IX, which protects against gender discrimination, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees services for students with disabilities. Without the DOE, enforcement of these laws would be left to individual states, potentially leading to disparities in protections and services for marginalized students.
Another major consequence would be the weakening of national educational standards. The DOE plays an essential role in developing and promoting standardized education benchmarks, such as those outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These standards ensure that students across the country receive a comparable level of education, regardless of their location. If education were solely controlled at the state level, disparities in curriculum quality, graduation requirements, and student performance could increase, leading to uneven preparedness for college and the workforce.

Financially, the DOE provides substantial funding to schools, particularly in low-income areas. The department allocates billions of dollars annually through programs like Title I, which provides federal dollars to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. Without this federal funding, many schools would struggle to afford essential resources such as updated textbooks, technology, and extracurricular programs. The burden would fall on states and local governments, many of which do not have the financial capacity to fill the gap. This could exacerbate existing educational inequalities, leaving students in underfunded districts at a disadvantage.

Additionally, the absence of the DOE could harm higher education accessibility. The department administers federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, which enable millions of students to attend college each year. Although the Trump Administration has promised that these programs will remain funded, they have already slashed the DOE’s staff in half, dismissing employees tasked with managing $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. The Trump Administration has proposed transferring this function to the Small Business Administration (SBA), but the SBA has said it will cut its workforce by 43% or 2700 jobs. The result of under staffing, and loss of technical expertise will effectively freeze the nation’s student loan system. This could lead to a decline in college enrollment, reducing the overall educational attainment of the workforce and negatively affecting the economy.

Finally, the long-term economic impact of closing the Department of Education would be severe. A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. If educational quality and access decline, fewer students will be adequately prepared for the demands of the modern job market. This could lead to higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and decreased economic mobility for future generations.

In conclusion, closing the Department of Education would have far-reaching negative consequences. It would weaken federal oversight of educational equity, reduce financial support for schools and students, exacerbate disparities in education quality, and ultimately hinder the nation’s economic progress. Rather than dismantling the DOE, policymakers should focus on reforming and improving the department to ensure that it continues to serve the best interests of all students and educators across the country.

Does a U.S. President have the Authority to Abolish the Department of Education? No!

In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Education was created by an act of Congress in 1979. The authority to abolish or significantly modify this department would reside with Congress, not the President alone. A President can advocate for the abolition of a department and work with Congress to make that happen, but they do not have the unilateral authority to dissolve it. Any changes would require legislation passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed into law by the President. Therefore, while a President such as Donald Trump could propose the abolition of the Department of Education and work towards that goal, it would ultimately take congressional action to legally abolish the department.

What Can You Do? Take Action!

It is essential for citizens to contact their representatives to urge Congress to support and save the Department of Education, as this agency plays a vital role in shaping the future of our nation's students and educational systems. The Department of Education ensures access to quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic background, and provides crucial funding for programs that support low-income families, students with disabilities, and underserved communities. By advocating for the Department of Education, citizens can influence policies that impact educational equity, enhance teacher resources, and promote innovation in schools.

What Can You Do?

Engaging with your representative not only amplifies your voice but also underscores the importance of education as a foundation for opportunity and growth in our society. Together, we can work to protect the educational rights of every child and ensure that future generations have the tools they need to succeed. Contact your member of Congress today!

The Danger of Authoritarianism: Threatening Higher Education and Eroding Democracy Beginning with Columbia University and Penn, But Harvard and Others are Resisting

​​In recent weeks, the Trump administration has intensified its assaults on Columbia University, plunging the campus into turmoil and raising concerns about potential backlash at colleges nationwide. This situation is perilous, and it is crucial for other academic institutions to remain steadfast and not succumb to pressure in order to preserve our country and genuine democracy.

These authoritative tactics by the Trump administration, such as threatening higher academic colleges and universities poses several dangers to democratic principles, institutional integrity, and the broader society. 

Key Dangers
1. Slowly Erosion of Academic Freedom: Academic institutions thrive on the freedom to explore, discuss, and challenge ideas. An authoritative president that threatens these institutions can undermine this autonomy, leading to a chilling effect where faculty and students self-censor or avoid controversial topics for fear of reprisal.

2. Threats to Diversity of Thought: When a government leader imposes specific rules or ideologies, it can stifle diversity of thought and discourage critical thinking. This will likely lead to homogenization of ideas, which is detrimental to the educational process and undermines the purpose of higher education.

3. Impact on Research and Innovation: Universities play a crucial role in advancing scientific research and technological innovation. If higher education institutions are coerced into compliance with certain ideologies or agendas, it can stifle groundbreaking research that does not align with those interests, ultimately affecting society's progress.

4. Decreased Trust in Educational Institutions: A president's attempts to manipulate or threaten academic institutions can lead to a loss of trust in those institutions among students, parents, and the general public. This skepticism can decrease enrollment and funding, weakening the institutions over time.

5. Disruption of the University Governance Structure: Many academic institutions have established governance structures designed to uphold their missions and maintain independence. Presidential threats could disrupt this governance, leading to governance crises that undermine institutional stability.

6. Potential for Increased Polarization: An authoritarian approach to higher education can exacerbate political and social polarization. Institutions may become battlegrounds for ideological conflict, rather than venues for dialogue and learning. 

7. Impact on Student Experience: Students may find themselves in an environment marked by fear and anxiety rather than one conducive to learning and personal growth. This toxic atmosphere can affect mental health and overall educational outcomes.

8. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Threatening institutions may involve violations of legal and ethical norms, leading to lawsuits and public backlash. This can create a protracted conflict between academic institutions and the federal government.

9. Reinforcement of Anti-Intellectualism: Authoritarian leadership that threatens colleges can contribute to a culture of anti-intellectualism, where expertise and academic inquiry are devalued. This can have long-term consequences for informed citizenship and public policy.

10. Deterrence of International Collaboration and Talent: Authoritarian threats can deter international students and faculty from engaging with U.S. academic institutions, leading to a brain drain and reduced diversity in academic communities.

The Trump administration is wielding threats against universities. This can have far-reaching negative effects that compromise the integrity of academic institutions, harm the educational experience, and ultimately undermine democratic society. Maintaining the independence and autonomy of higher education is crucial for fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

What Can You Do?

Students, researchers, faculty, alumni donors, and friends of the university or college, need to Take Action Now! Advocating for the independence and autonomy of higher education is essential for ensuring that academic institutions can fulfill their role in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. On April 14, 2025, Harvard University defied Trump's demands to protect academic freedom, free speech, science-based research, in support of democracy. Alumni and faculty wrote letters to urge Harvard to defend itself and support academic freedom. This model sets a foundation for students, researchers, faculty, alumni, and donors to take action at their universities, nationwide, by joining the efforts of Harvard University. Begin with simple example letters and follow-up letters by Harvard University Alumni.

The following are several ways individuals and groups can effectively advocate for this cause:
1. Promote Awareness and Education: 2. Engage in Public Discourse: ​3. Support Faculty and Student Initiatives: 
  • Encourage student and faculty organizations to advocate for policy changes that protect academic freedom.
  • Promote the formation of coalitions among various academic departments to collectively address and speak out against threats to independence.
  • Resources for Action:
    1. Resources on Governance | AAUP
    2. Groups like the National Student Association (NSA) also promote advocacy initiatives on campuses.
4. Lobby for Legislative Protection: 
  • Engage with lawmakers to advocate for legislation that safeguards academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
  • Support organizations that actively lobby for policies protecting higher education from governmental overreach.
  • Resources for Action:
    1. Home | American Civil Liberties Union - advocate for legislative action supporting academic freedom.
    2. The “Campus Free Speech Act” is one example of legislative movements aimed at safeguarding academic freedom.
5. Utilize Legal Channels: 
  • Support or join legal challenges against laws or regulations that threaten academic freedom and institutional independence.
  • Encourage institutions to enact strong policies protecting faculty and student rights amid intimidating political climates.
  • Resources for Action:
    1. FIRE | Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression - provides legal support and resources for challenging threats to academic freedom.
    2. Judicial rulings and case studies are often available through legal publications and education policy research centers.
6. Advance Institutional Governance: 
  • Advocate for strong governance structures within educational institutions that promote transparency and independence in decision-making processes.
  • Work with university administrations to establish policies that protect academic freedom and support whistleblowers who report threats.
  • Resources for Action:
    1. American Association of University Professors (AAUP) -  discusses the relationship between institutional governance and academic autonomy.
    2. AGB Home - AGB -Resources on best practices for governance can be found through organizations like the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB).
7. Foster an Inclusive Campus Culture: 
  • Encourage campuses to create inclusive environments where diverse opinions are welcomed and respected, which can strengthen the case for the necessity of autonomy.
  • Organize forums and discussions that allow multiple perspectives to be expressed and examined.
  • Resources for Action:
    1. HERI – Higher Education Research Institute and home of Cooperative Institutional Research Program - conducts studies on campus climate, diversity, and inclusivity, providing valuable insights and resources.
    2. Home | NCWIT - The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) has resources aimed at promoting inclusivity in higher education.
8. Build Partnerships: 
  • Form alliances with non-profit organizations, think tanks, and academic bodies that promote academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
  • Collaborate with international organizations to share strategies and build a broader movement for academic independence.
9. Encourage Alumni Engagement: 
  • Mobilize alumni to speak out and advocate for the autonomy of their institutions, using their experiences as graduates to highlight the importance of academic freedom.
  • Develop alumni networks that can provide resources and support for advocacy initiatives.
10. Promote Scholarly Resilience: 
  • Encourage academic institutions to develop plans and strategies for resilience in the face of potential threats to their independence.
  • Facilitate training and workshops for faculty on how to effectively teach and conduct research under challenging conditions.
  • Resources for Action: 
    • National Education Association | NEA - Universities and academic organizations often produce resources for faculty development regarding resilience and adaptability under challenging political climates; for instance, the National Education Association (NEA) offers professional development resources.

By actively engaging in these advocacy efforts, individuals and groups can help ensure that higher education remains a bastion of independent thought, critical inquiry, and democratic engagement, ultimately serving the needs of society as a whole. In addition contact Congress to Take Action!

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