What We Know
- Trump’s executive order (EO) calls for the dismantling of the Department of Education (DOE)…but it’s a “concept of a plan
- Federal oversight would be eliminated
- There could be severe consequences for Black and marginalized students
- This is a longstanding goal of conservatives
- Legal and congressional challenges are likely on the way for this action
In yet another attack on federal protections, Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, instructing the Secretary of Education to develop a plan to dismantle and eliminate the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The move is part of a broader conservative agenda to shift power away from the federal government and place education authority in the hands of state governments and so-called “parental rights” groups.
The order claims that closing the DOE will improve education outcomes by decentralizing power. But let’s be clear: this is an intentional effort to roll back protections for Black, Brown, poor, disabled, and LGBTQ+ students. Without federal oversight, essential civil rights laws and funding programs that help marginalized communities access quality education equitably could be significantly weakened – or disappear altogether.
A Department Rooted in Civil Rights and Equity
The DOE isn’t some century-old institution. It was, in fact, officially created in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter through the Department of Education Organization Act. The DOE’s primary mission was to ensure equal access to education by enforcing civil rights laws, distributing federal funding, and conducting research on improving education.
Historically, the DOE has been especially critical in protecting marginalized students by:
- Enforcing Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.
- Upholding civil rights protections for Black, Brown, disabled, and LGBTQ+ students.
- Administering Pell Grants and federal student aid for low-income students.
- Supporting students with disabilities through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Despite this, conservative opposition to the DOE emerged almost immediately.
A Longstanding Conservative Target
Eliminating the DOE has been a Republican talking point for decades. Ronald Reagan made it a 1980 campaign promise, arguing that education should be left entirely to the states. Though Reagan never followed through, the idea didn’t die.
In the 1990s, Newt Gingrich and other Republican lawmakers pushed to abolish the DOE, but efforts stalled due to bipartisan opposition. But, the goal has continued to be championed by far-right think tanks like the Heritage Foundation – the same organization that crafted Project 2025 and every other Mandate for Leadership policy agenda released every four years since Reagan’s presidency.
Project 2025 outlines an explicit plan to eliminate the DOE, arguing that federal oversight undermines parental rights and “local control.” Sound familiar? That’s because Trump’s EO is ripped straight from their playbook.
What’s in Trump’s Executive Order?
Trump’s order directs the Secretary of Education to create a step-by-step plan to dismantle the DOE and transfer its responsibilities to states. This includes:
- Defunding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Removing federal oversight of school curriculums, opening the door to book bans, anti-CRT policies, and conservative control over education.
- Shifting power to conservative parental groups like Moms for Liberty.
The EO also calls for the elimination of terms like “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in federal education policies, an explicit attack on marginalized communities. The proposed dismantling of the DOE raises significant concerns regarding its impact on marginalized communities.
Can a President Actually Eliminate a Federal Department?
Short answer: No. Absolutely not.
While Trump can issue executive orders directing his administration to “develop a plan,” only Congress has the power to eliminate a federal department. The DOE was created by Congress and dismantling it would require legislative approval – something that’s (we hope) far from guaranteed.
What Happens Next?
1. The Secretary of Education’s Next Steps
The Secretary of Education must now develop a plan for dismantling the DOE. This could include:
- Shifting funding from federal programs like Pell Grants and Title I.
- Reducing civil rights enforcement in schools, weakening Title IX and other protections.
- Empowering conservative parental groups to influence school policies.
2. Congressional Approval is Required
Trump’s EO has initiated a plan, but Congress must pass a bill to officially dismantle the DOE – a move that will likely face strong opposition from Democrats and civil rights organizations.
3. Legal Challenges Expected
Civil rights groups, education advocates, and state attorneys general are preparing to challenge the EO in court. Opponents argue that dismantling the DOE would violate federal civil rights protections and disproportionately harm marginalized students.
4. State Governments Could Take Control
IF the DOE is dismantled, education responsibilities will shift to state governments. This means:
- Republican-led states may ban DEI, CRT, and LGBTQ+ inclusive education. This is already being attempted through various state legislative bills such as the anti-trans rights bills moving through Georgia or the anti-DEI bill moving through North Carolina.
- Blue states may attempt to maintain federal education protections at a state level.
- Disparities in education quality could widen dramatically between states.
Conclusion
While the executive order aims to decentralize educational control, it raises critical questions about the future of educational equity in the United States. Marginalized communities, which have historically relied on federal protections and support, may face increased challenges in accessing quality education. As the plan to dismantle the DOE progresses, it is essential to consider and address the potential adverse effects on these populations.
The fight to protect equitable education is far from over.
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