The U.S. Department of Education does a lot more than oversee student loans and school funding—it plays a key role in a range of critical services that often fly under the radar. With former President Donald Trump vowing to dismantle the department, experts warn that some vital functions could disappear. From ensuring equal access to education for immigrant students to funding teacher training and collecting essential academic data, the DOE provides resources that many schools and communities rely on. As Brooke Kandel, a dean and professor at Butler University, puts it, “The DOE provides important federal oversight for implementation of legal mandates impacting immigrant students, and especially immigrant students who are English Learners.” If the department is dismantled, these responsibilities could fall to individual states, potentially leading to unequal educational opportunities nationwide.

Key Points:

• Legal Protection for Immigrant Students – The DOE ensures that immigrant students, especially English learners, receive proper educational support and that schools comply with federal mandates.
• Data Collection & Analysis – The department gathers large-scale education data across states, offering insights into academic achievement and the effectiveness of various programs.
• Funding for Teacher Training – It provides key funding sources and reviews proposals for teacher education, including specialized training for teachers working with English learners.
• Oversight of Civil Rights in Education – The DOE's Office for Civil Rights investigates discrimination claims in schools, ensuring that students receive fair and equal treatment.
• Promotion of Girls' and Women's Sports – It enforces Title IX, which guarantees equal opportunities in school athletics for girls and women.
• Support for Low-Income Students – The department manages programs like Pell Grants and Title I funding, which help provide resources for students from underserved communities.

The potential removal of the Department of Education raises serious concerns about the future of these programs. If responsibilities are handed over to the states, will they all maintain the same level of support? Let us know your thoughts!
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