Former President Donald Trump has proposed shutting down the Department of Education, advocating for a shift of educational control back to the states.
This move is supported by some who argue that it could lead to better educational outcomes, as they believe federal management has been ineffective since its inception in the 1980s. However, critics are concerned that this could result in inconsistent educational standards across states, potentially affecting programs like Pell grants and special education, and allowing for the inclusion of religious content in public schools.
The debate reflects a broader ideological conflict over the balance of federal versus state authority in education policy.