Politics
Should the Department of Education Be Abolished?
Should the Department of Education Be Abolished?
Here’s The Scoop
In a bold move that aligns with President-elect Trump’s vision for a more streamlined and locally controlled education system, Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota has introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act.” This legislation aims to dismantle the federal Department of Education, a bureaucratic behemoth that many conservatives argue has overstepped its bounds and hindered educational progress.
During his campaign, Trump made it clear that one of his early priorities would be to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., and return educational authority to the states. “We all know local control is best when it comes to education,” Rounds emphasized, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply with many Americans who believe that local educators and parents understand their students’ needs far better than distant federal officials.
With a Republican majority poised to take control in Washington, the possibility of this significant reform is within reach. Critics have long contended that the Department of Education has failed to educate a single student, instead creating layers of red tape that complicate rather than enhance the educational experience. Rounds’ proposal seeks to reassign various programs to more suitable departments, ensuring that resources are managed more effectively and closer to the communities they serve.
The Democratic National Committee has predictably pushed back, with spokesperson Alex Floyd accusing Trump and his allies of endangering public education. However, conservatives argue that this move is about empowerment, not endangerment—empowering states, local school boards, and parents to make decisions that best serve their children.
In a strategic reshuffling, the plan would see Native American education programs move to the Department of Interior, loan and grant programs to the Department of Treasury, disability programs to the Department of Health and Human Services, and career programs to the Department of Labor. Meanwhile, the State Department would take over the Fulbright-Hays Program, which supports international research and training.
Adding to the excitement, Trump has announced his intention to appoint Linda McMahon, former CEO of WWE and Administrator of the Small Business Administration, as the new Secretary of Education. This choice underscores his commitment to bringing fresh perspectives and business acumen to the realm of education.
As the nation looks forward to potential changes, the push to return education to the states is seen by many as a necessary step toward revitalizing an education system that has long been bogged down by federal overreach. With strong leadership and a clear vision, this could mark the beginning of a new era in American education—one that prioritizes local control and accountability over distant bureaucracy.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Dave
November 26, 2024 at 7:35 am
First I believe that there are awesome teachers out there that truly care about the education of students. However we have a system that is overwhelmingly supportive of ideas that do not belong in schools and therefore causing division among students teachers and parents. We cannot have a one way system where what is taught in NYC or LA works for those out in Kansas
Jerry N
November 26, 2024 at 8:01 am
The Education Department became just another arm of the Federal Octopus to exercise control of schools from Washington. For example, IMO it was Obama’s Education Director that stirred up all this trans turmoil demanding schools provide separate bathroom facilities for 0.1% of the population.
It’s time for America to review their contracts with the education community, which has failed to emphasize Academics and wasted time on gay sex and gender issues which are not in the approved curriculum. The employees have taken over the asylum.
Mark Smith
November 26, 2024 at 8:05 am
First off it needs to change it’s name to what it really is the Department of Indoctrination, then we need to DUMP it in the Garbage.
Steve
November 26, 2024 at 8:45 am
The DOE has been in existence since only 1980, so it has a brief legacy. And that legacy hasn’t been very good. The US has fallen way behind many other nations in its education of our children. Time to dump it, get rid of the ridiculous, ineffective Federal policies, rules and regulations, and let the states do what they have done better – EDUCATE our children.
Jerry C.
November 26, 2024 at 6:28 pm
The Department of Education was separated out from the 1953-founded Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1980, yes. The reason it hasn’t worked well is that it doesn’t have ENOUGH power. Give it a proper mandate and the ability to shove local PTAs and the like out of the way of students’ proper education and see how quickly those scores start to rise!
Jerry C.
November 26, 2024 at 6:23 pm
Absolutely not! In fact, the DoE should be the one creating the SOLE curriculum to be used in ALL American schools, both public and private, to ensure ALL our children get the same primary education. We can’t afford to leave such important decisions to woke OR ‘thumper parents who would rather tax dollars be spent indoctrinating instead of educating.
Mike Diggs
November 27, 2024 at 7:16 am
Like the indoctrination of boys can become girls and vice versa? The indoctrination of sex in 2nd grade? That child molesters can read to kids? That communism is great and works? That mask prevents the flu?
Nick Durbin
January 3, 2025 at 8:39 am
You and Michael need to go back to NEVER , NEVER , LAND !!!
Buddy, you talk out of both sides of your mouth at once !!!
Make up your mind !!!
One minute you want the DOE , the next you are talking about the indoctrination of our children by the same DOE !!!
Terrence King
November 28, 2024 at 10:15 am
What lost the election to the Republicans is that the Demoncrats did not manufacture 14 million votes. They were stopped from cheating by the Republicans this year!