Education—is it a right, or is it a privilege? On Thursday, March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would dismantle the United States Department of Education. Signing this executive order puts the education and futures of millions of Americans in jeopardy. Education is important in a society where literacy, problem-solving and acknowledgement of flaws in a nation’s history and as people are important qualities for one to possess.
The order states that the sitting education secretary, Linda McMahon, who was appointed by Trump earlier this year, should take the necessary steps to the furthest appropriate extent of the law. This would effectively close the department, allowing Congress to allocate its funds to another government agency. The order also allows the federal government to take control of the public school system and reestablish what is taught in schools to their liking.
Trump argues that the funds going towards the federal department are wasteful spending that could go to other agencies, such as the Department of Defense or Homeland Security, two primary focuses of Trump’s. He also argues that the content that the public school system teaches American children is too “woke” or concerned about social injustice and discrimination.
“It is really a scary situation,” Hailey Stinar (12), who will be majoring in music education at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said. “I have been looking into going into education for the last four years, and now it seems I do not even know what is in store for my future.”
Trump’s decision has prompted many to question his decisions, and rightfully so. The fact is that he can not close the department in its entirety. To completely close the department, the bill would have to go through Congress and get approved. The Republican Party does hold the majority in Congress, but not by much, holding the smallest majority since 1931. Should Trump attempt to dismantle the agency completely and put this order through Congress, it is likely that it would be heavily scrutinized or outright rejected by his peers.
The Department of Education has been an important government agency in American society since its inception in 1979. The department offers federal funding for schools, federal education programs such as the Title I program and other policies that contribute to American education. The Title I program is an initiative presented by former President Lyndon B. Johnson. This program offers funding to districts who are in need of financial assistance. Student loans or financial aid are also provided to students through the Department of Education.
This ruling affects the district greatly. The school is among those that rely on the Title I funding program to grant less fortunate students the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. Students rely on these resources to learn. Without this program, many students will not be able to afford to take part in extracurricular activities or have the resources they need.
The students need this federal funding. It is not fair to them or their education to take it away. It is unjust to deprive students of their education and the opportunities such education would provide for them later on in life.
Students should take action and show support for their peers, the teachers who make our education possible, the workers it affects, and the Department of Education. Advocate for education. Email senators and representatives. Talk about it with friends, neighbors, and spread the word. Your voice matters. Do not let education suffer and become an afterthought.