President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating the process to dismantle the Department of Education, aiming to transfer educational authority back to individual states.
The executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States, while continuing to ensure the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely." According to the New York Post.
Despite this executive action, fully abolishing the department requires congressional approval, as it was established by Congress in 1979.
The move has sparked significant debate. Supporters argue that it reduces federal overreach and empowers local governance in education. Critics, however, express concerns about potential disruptions to federal education programs and protections, particularly those serving low-income and special-needs students.
The executive order represents a significant shift in federal education policy, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of the federal government in local education systems.