On March 20, President Trump signed an Executive Order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education.

History

Established in 1979, during Jimmy Carter's presidency, the Department of Education aims to increase the quality of education nationwide. At the time, the idea of giving education its own cabinet was labeled as "unconstitutional" by numerous right-wing politicians, as they argued that it was unnecessary and an "intrusion into local affairs." Despite this, it was proven that the agency was entirely constructional under the Commerce Clause. Since its creation, attempts to abolish the Department of Education have repeatedly failed under numerous presidencies due to large Democratic backlash.

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What does the Department of Education Do?

The Department of Education has four main purposes:

1. Create and execute policies for students who may require federal financial aid
2. Gather data and research American schools
3. Take national action on central issues in education and advise solutions for these problems
4. Ensure equality and end discrimination in education

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It also works to guarantee education for homeless and runaway youths.

However, it is important to note what the Department of Education does NOT do. It leaves most of the education decisions up to the states and districts. The department does not establish curriculums, set graduation requirements, or hire teachers. However, it does provide funding and gives states guidance on setting a proper education plan.

Trump's Remarks

Since its creation in 1979, Republicans have been calling for the removal of the Department of Education, a view that has been a core tenant of Trump's election campaign. As he implements a series of drastic changes across the federal government, the president has repeatedly called the department a waste of taxpayer's money and federal spending.

Office of the President of the United States from Wikimedia Commons

What About Congress?

The truth is, that the President cannot abolish an executive department by himself. That is a power that rests solely in the hands of Congress, meaning that the act must have a majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate, which could be extremely difficult, especially in the latter.

Although the Senate does currently hold a Republican majority, 60 votes are required to reach a final decision, requiring the cooperation of Democrats. However, it is highly unlikely, as Democrats have been fiercely opposed to the executive order.

"[The executive order is] reckless [and it would put] low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, and rural students at risk"

- Bobby Scott, Virginia (D), House Education Committee

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Dismantling the Department of Education isn't just unpopular with Democrats, it's unpopular with most of the nation. A Quinnipiac University survey showed that 60% of voters oppose the executive order, and only 33% are in favor. Meanwhile, just 1% of Democrats are in favor while an unsurprising 98% oppose it.

While Education Secretary Linda McMahon says that they will cooperate with Congress, President Trump has released no public comment on this aspect.

How Does This Affect You?

The Department of Education is a necessity for millions of American children who need federal funding for education.

"[The executive order] will hurt all students by sending class sizes soaring, cutting job training programs, making higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, taking away special education services for students with disabilities, and gutting student civil rights protections"

- Becky Pringle, National Education Association President

Conclusion

Although there isn't much teens can do, it is important to keep note of this issue in order to see what changes occur in public schooling for all Americans.