What the Education Department does, as Trump vows states will ‘run education’
The Department of Education (DoEd) is cracking down on 45 universities for alleged discriminatory practices in their scholarship and graduate programs. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the importance of assessing students based on merit and accomplishment, rather than the color of their skin. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the DoEd is spearheading these investigations to ensure that all students are protected from illegal discrimination.
Despite significant cuts to the department, the OCR remains committed to investigating complaints and enforcing federal civil rights laws. The DoEd’s main responsibilities include managing student loans, financial aid, and enforcing nondiscrimination policies in schools. It is important to note that education is primarily a state and local responsibility in the United States, with only 8% of school funding coming from federal sources.
President Donald Trump has been reducing the size of the department with the goal of eventually closing it to give more authority to states in education. However, the administration has clarified that these cuts will not directly impact students and families. The DoEd seeks to reduce bureaucratic barriers in education and provide support to states to help students succeed.
One of the largest offices within the department is Federal Student Aid (FSA), which provides billions of dollars in grants and loans to students each year. Despite recent workforce reductions, essential services like FAFSA, student loan servicing, and grants programs remain unaffected.
The department does not dictate school curricula or teacher pay, leaving those decisions to state and local authorities. Recent funding allocations have varied by administration, with former President Joe Biden investing heavily in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while the Trump administration slashed funding for such programs.
The DoEd does not accredit universities or develop curriculum requirements, leaving those responsibilities to state and local school boards. The department’s focus is on providing opportunities for students and ensuring equal access to education.
As the investigations into discriminatory practices unfold, the DoEd remains committed to upholding civil rights and promoting equality in education. The department’s efforts to root out discrimination and promote merit-based assessment reflect its dedication to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
