Understanding What the U.S. Department of Education Did
Brief # 200 Education Policy | Valerie Henderson | April 22, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE), established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter, promotes student achievement, ensures equal access to education, and enforces federal laws prohibiting discrimination in federally funded programs. Historically, it manages Pell Grants, student loans, Title I programs for low-income students, and special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It also oversees civil rights compliance in educational institutions.
Over time, the DOE’s scope has expanded through legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965) and the Higher Education Act (1965), and subsequent reauthorizations including the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and Every Student Succeeds Act (2015).
Analysis
Initially a support system for states, the DOE has increasingly influenced local education policy through conditional funding. Federal initiatives like Common Core, Race to the Top, and standardized testing requirements reflect deeper federal engagement.
Critics argue this undermines local autonomy, while supporters emphasize its role in ensuring nationwide equity—particularly for marginalized populations. While federal funding comprises only 8–10% of total education spending, the conditions attached give it significant policy leverage.
Advocates warn that dismantling the DOE would harm students depending on federal services, particularly children with disabilities and those in underfunded schools. Meanwhile, proponents of abolishment believe local control would promote innovation and reduce bureaucracy.
On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. A day later, the administration ordered the transfer of federal student loan responsibilities to the Small Business Administration (SBA). This move bypassed pending legislation and triggered concern among legal scholars and policy experts, as the SBA lacks statutory authority and infrastructure to handle the complex $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio.
A March 11 reduction in force eliminated nearly one-third of DOE staff, impairing its capacity to carry out core functions. Simultaneously, the SBA—facing its own 43% staff cut—was ill-equipped to manage the scale and complexity of federal student aid, which includes varied loan types, forgiveness programs, and FAFSA infrastructure.
Universities like Seton Hall have publicly reaffirmed their commitments to DEI programs and warned of looming financial instability. Investigations into more than 50 universities have already resulted in the suspension of DEI-related federal grants, with billions in funding at stake.
Without a statutory transfer of authority, legal experts argue that the SBA may be unable to enforce current student loan agreements, potentially violating the Higher Education Act of 1965. Civil rights enforcement under Title VI, Title IX, and IDEA is also at risk if the DOE is dissolved without new federal mechanisms. Experts caution that, without congressional approval, this reorganization faces strong legal resistance. The abrupt withdrawal of federal oversight could severely compromise protections for marginalized students, amplify educational inequities, and destabilize the national education landscape.
I do not support efforts to abolish the Department of Education, as doing so would significantly harm students who depend on federally mandated services, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds and children with disabilities. The Department plays an essential role in protecting civil rights, funding special education programs, and ensuring equitable access to education across all states. Without its oversight, local disparities in funding, quality, and inclusiveness would likely widen. While there is room for reform and improved collaboration with states, dismantling the DOE would strip away necessary protections and support systems that millions of students rely on daily.
Engagement Resources
- National Education Association (NEA)
Advocates for public education policies that strengthen public schools, enhance educational opportunities, and improve educator working conditions.
https://www.nea.org - Education Trust
Engages in research and advocacy aimed at closing achievement gaps and promoting educational equity across socioeconomic and racial groups.
https://edtrust.org - Center on Education Policy (CEP)
Provides nonpartisan, evidence-based research on public education, helping policymakers understand the implications of educational policies and practices.
https://www.cep-dc.org