“Abolish the Department of Education.” is not a statement you hear every day. However, it has been proposed as a bill in the Senate. From Donald Trump’s cabinet to federal financial aid, this bill seems like it can reshape the entire education system—and its effects could extend to Claremont High School.
The Returning Education to Our States Act bill would see $200 billion in funding and the work of the education department redistributed to other federal agencies. But first, what does the Department of Education even do? It funds Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, funding high-poverty K-12 school districts. It also administers Pell Grants, which help low-income students attend college, and provides resources to support students with disabilities through age 21. Finally, it collects school data to enforce federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination. Junior Rukmini Sridharan shared her knowledge.
“I think it (the bill) would affect students negatively, especially those from low-income backgrounds,” Sridharan said. “They no longer have federal assistance.”
If this department is eliminated, responsibilities would be redistributed and certain education programs could be cut. For example, student loans would be moved to the Department of Treasury. Loans would also become private, which typically cost more than federal loans. This would make it harder for students to access federal financial aid. 7.5 million students with special needs would fall under the Department of Health and Human Services instead of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which protects them and their rights.
However, this bill is not likely to be passed. It requires a supermajority of 60 votes in the Republican-controlled Senate to be approved. The Senator who introduced the bill, Mike Rounds, believes he can pass it with 50. This could only happen with reconciliation, which allows the enactment of legislation on taxes and spending with only a majority of 50 votes. But this scenario is unlikely. Even with a Republican majority in the Senate, Rounds still needs 60 votes.
Another aspect of this bill that has concerned many is the fact that it was a part of Project 2025. Many are worried that this is the first stepping stone to enacting Project 2025, which includes many other controversial policies and bills.
In the unlikely event that the Department of Education is abolished, it will impact all students across the nation, including CHS. A redistribution of the department’s work would affect many low-income families, and possibly make it harder for other minorities to access aid and protection.
