The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order that could fundamentally change the operations of the Department of Education.
Though the specifics are still being finalized, multiple news outlets are providing insights into what this might entail.
Proposed Changes and Implications
According to The Wall Street Journal, the order could either abolish any agency functions that are not explicitly required by law or shift particular duties to different federal departments.
In contrast, The Washington Post suggests that the order won’t eliminate the Department altogether.
Instead, it may push for a more gradual scaling back of the department’s roles, based on insider accounts.
Sources privy to these discussions point out that the Secretary of Education might be tasked with devising a plan to dismantle the agency over time.
While an official order hasn’t been signed yet, a representative from the White House indicated to The Washington Post that it should arrive within the month.
This aligns with President Trump’s campaign promise to cut funding for the Department of Education.
Concerns from Stakeholders
Both The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post report that some in the White House are advocating for a delay in issuing the order until the Senate confirms Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education.
The Senate has yet to arrange a committee hearing or vote on her confirmation.
After the initial buzz surrounding this potential executive order, Inside Higher Ed sought comments from the Department of Education.
However, their inquiries were redirected to the White House, where a spokesperson declined to offer any formal remarks.
It is crucial to remember that only Congress holds the power to dismantle the Department of Education, which means an executive order primarily serves as a symbolic gesture.
However, the Trump administration has other strategies for diminishing the department’s influence, such as reducing staffing levels and slashing program budgets.
Potential Consequences and Future Directions
The recent aggressive moves by the Trump administration to overhaul the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have raised alarms about a similar approach being taken toward the Education Department.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy pointed out that changes at USAID are part of a broader review of federal spending, suggesting the Education Department could soon be in the crosshairs.
Currently, many employees at the Department of Education are on paid leave.
Reports have surfaced that certain staff members in the Trump administration’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, which is led by billionaire Elon Musk, possess sensitive personal data about millions of students enrolled in federal programs.
Aaron Ament, president of the Student Defense advocacy group, has voiced his concerns regarding the administration’s plans.
He warned that any significant disruption or elimination of the Department of Education could lead to chaos and uncertainty for students across the country.
Ament criticized the potential unconstitutionality of such actions taken without Congressional approval, suggesting that legal challenges could follow.
While Republican lawmakers have critiqued the Education Department since its establishment, past attempts to introduce substantial changes have often faltered.
Many analysts doubt that the Trump administration will successfully dismantle the agency.
Notably, Trump had previously proposed merging the Department of Education with the Department of Labor during his first term.
Analysts specializing in higher education policy are noticing a growing push to restructure the agency, particularly in response to the Biden administration’s actions, which have included broad student loan forgiveness and expanded rights for transgender individuals.
Although the latest iteration of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) appears to be back on course, experts caution that further disruptions could undermine progress made by the department.
The idea of disbanding the Department of Education raises substantial concerns for those in higher education.
Administrators and advocates are struggling to grasp what the administration’s early decisions might mean.
Current discussions about funding cuts to diversity initiatives and halting research grants have already spurred confusion within educational institutions.
Higher education stakeholders are worried that eliminating the Department could have dire consequences for both universities and students.
Local education officials, university leaders, and advocacy groups depend heavily on the department for overseeing federal student aid, managing student loans, conducting civil rights investigations, and distributing billions in institutional support, among other essential functions.
The agency employs over 4,000 staff and governs a discretionary budget nearing $80 billion.
Experts suggest that if significant restructuring occurs, it will likely preserve the agency’s core programs.
There have already been proposals to shift federal student aid programs to the Treasury Department, with civil rights oversight possibly moving to the Department of Justice.
Critics have disputed the constitutional validity of the Department of Education, arguing that the Constitution does not explicitly mention education, which they see as a sign of federal overreach.
Trump has echoed these sentiments, expressing a desire to decentralize education and return power to state and local authorities; however, the specifics of this approach remain vague.
Source: Insidehighered