DOE Collapse Would Leave Millions of Teachers Without Funding
(Newsweek | Feb. 4, 2025) President Donald Trump’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Education has sparked debate over potential consequences for teachers, students, and education funding. While some conservatives have long criticized the agency as an overreach of federal power, some educators warn that eliminating it could disrupt public schooling and cut funding streams.
However, some critics point out that the move would leave states responsible for managing programs that currently receive federal oversight and funding. This includes special education, Title I assistance for low-income students and student loan programs.
George Theoharis, a professor in Syracuse University’s School of Education, told Newsweek that completely eliminating the Department of Education would have to go through Congress, but that Trump has the authority to “diminish it.”
Doing so would have wide-reaching implications for students and teachers, he said. A key piece of DOE funding is in the form of Title I money, which typically go low-income school districts, who then decide how to best use that money within their own communities.
“Some districts use that to lower class size, particularly for younger kids in first, second or third grade. If Title I money went away, would that impact class size for some students? It’s possible,” Theoharis said.
Support for students with disabilities would also be at stake, he said, noting that the department sends funds directly to schools to support these students, as well as supports research and training efforts.
“Eliminating the Department of Education, or reducing it to sort of shambles, assume it would have an impact on the education of kids with disabilities, which is a really important part of our education system,” he said.
“Eliminating the Department of Education, or reducing it to sort of shambles, assume it would have an impact on the education of kids with disabilities, which is a really important part of our education system.”
The DOE also plays a key role in civil rights enforcement, which may be at risk if the department is eliminated, as well as with Trump’s orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, he said. Some of these programs, for instance, give students of color more opportunity to attend higher education.
“The rolling back of those programs makes a higher ed experience less possible for lots of kids who have historically been excluded from higher ed,” he said …
- See also: President Trump to sign executive order dismantling the Department of Education (KCBS Radio | March 6, 2025)