What Happens If the US Department of Education is Dismantled?

Right now, we’re seeing some massive shifts in education here in the U.S., and I wanted to take a moment to break it all down for you—without all the sensationalism. This is too important to glaze over, so let’s talk about what’s happening with the Department of Education, why it matters, and what it could mean for our students.

First Things First: Where Are We Now?

As I’m recording this (mid-March 2025), a lot has already happened. A few weeks ago, President Donald Trump signed executive orders to sunset the Department of Education. Yep—close it down. And to lead this process, he appointed Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. If that name rings a bell, it's probably from her time as CEO of the WWE, not from education leadership.

Upon her confirmation, she made it clear her mission is to shut the department down. That aligns with the current administration’s goal of reducing federal oversight and shifting power back to individual states. Whether you agree or disagree, this is a huge change from what the Department of Education was originally designed to do.

A Quick History Lesson

The Department of Education was founded in 1979 to ensure equal access to education, enforce federal education laws—especially civil rights protections—and provide funding for low-income schools. It’s played a big role in areas like:

• Civil rights initiatives

• Special education oversight

• Federal funding (like Title I)

• Nationwide data collection and research

With the department being dismantled, we’re seeing layoffs—50% of the workforce is already being cut as of March 21, with final pay extending through June. And it looks like this is only the beginning.

Why Does This Matter?

The big question is: What happens when you eliminate the Department of Education?
Here’s the short version:

• Civil Rights: Enforcement becomes uneven and depends entirely on individual states.

• Special Education: Oversight could disappear, leaving compliance and funding decisions up to each state. For families like mine, with kids who have disabilities, this is a huge deal.

• Federal Funding: Programs like Title I that help low-income schools may shrink or vanish.

• Data & Research: Without national studies, identifying trends or systemic problems becomes a lot harder.

Supporters Say…

Now, I promised I wouldn’t take sides here. Supporters of dismantling the Department of Education argue that:

• States know best how to educate their own students.

• Reducing federal bureaucracy cuts through red tape.

• Innovation can flourish without federal oversight.

• Parents will have more say in what their kids are taught.

I get that. Who doesn’t want less red tape and more parental input? But…

Critics Warn…

… Critics (including me on some of these points) are concerned.
They argue that:

• We risk going backwards—back to a time when access to quality education depended entirely on your zip code.

• Racial and economic achievement gaps could grow even wider.

• Students with disabilities may lose essential legal protections and funding.

• Fragmented data makes it harder to track and fix national education problems.

What’s the Deal with the End DEI Portal?

Another piece of this puzzle is the new "End DEI" portal that’s been launched. It allows parents, teachers, and even students to anonymously report lessons they believe push “divisive concepts.” Sounds simple, but it’s vague—and that vagueness worries a lot of us.

So, What Happens Next?

Honestly? We don’t know.

• The Department is conducting a full review of every role and program. Employees must justify their positions, with job cuts expected.
 
• Some responsibilities (like student loan management) may be transferred to other agencies, but many functions could disappear entirely if Congress approves full elimination.
 
• Lawsuits are expected from civil rights groups, disability advocates, and education organizations challenging the legality of dismantling the Department without guaranteed protections in place.

At the core, this isn’t just about policies. It’s about values.

• Do we want national standards to ensure equity and civil rights protections for every child?

• Or do we want education to be handled entirely at the state or local level, where politics, budgets, and geography can create drastically different experiences?

My Takeaways for You (And for Me)

I’m not here to tell you the sky is falling. I believe in innovation and in moving forward. But I also believe we need to protect what we’ve fought so hard for—especially for students with disabilities and marginalized communities.

Here’s what I suggest you do:

1. Know Where You Stand: Figure out your values and what you want for your kids, your students, and your community.

2. Stay Informed: Social media isn’t always the best place for facts. Choose reliable sources and stay curious.

3. Get Involved Locally: Join your PTA. Go to school board meetings. Find out who the helpers are and get to know them.

4. Contact Your Representatives: Whether you’re fired up or unsure, your voice matters. The app Five Calls (I’m not affiliated!) makes it super easy, with scripts and contact info.

5. Read & Share Resources: Dr. Amy Parker from Portland State wrote a fantastic op-ed on this.

We’re Writing History Right Now

Whatever happens next, this moment matters. What we choose to do—or not do—will shape education for generations. And whether you and I agree or not, I hope this helps you think through what’s happening in a clear, non-scary way.

Topics: Dismantling the US Department of Education, Education, Teachers, Department of Education Special Education, students, equality for education, public education, accessibility