Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, has raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump officials are considering executive actions to eliminate the department as part of an initiative to reduce the size of the federal government. These actions could involve shutting down certain functions of the agency or transferring them to other departments, with a legislative proposal to completely abolish the department.
In a recent CNN interview, Weingarten expressed her belief that Trump’s move to eliminate the Education Department is illegal. She highlighted the importance of the department’s role in distributing funds to support low-income families, students with disabilities, English language learners, and work-study programs. Weingarten emphasized that the Department of Education ensures that allocated funds are used for their intended purposes and are not misappropriated.
While some argue that the Education Department does not directly handle school curriculum but rather acts as a financial aid office, Weingarten emphasized the need for federal policies to support education. She suggested that vocational training in schools could provide students with valuable skills and help create more job opportunities in America. Weingarten also raised concerns about privacy risks associated with eliminating the Education Department, citing the amount of personal financial information it possesses.
The scrutiny of the Education Department comes amidst a report from Parents Defending Education revealing that the department has awarded over $200 million to 48 universities to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion content into counseling courses. Additionally, recent data from the Education Department shows a decline in American students’ reading skills since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 Nation’s Report Card indicated a two-point drop in reading scores for fourth and eighth-grade students, while math scores remained relatively stable.
In response to these findings, the Department of Education expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in addressing learning loss among students, particularly those who were already struggling. Despite significant federal investments in K-12 education, the education system continues to fall short in meeting the needs of students across the nation.
Weingarten has previously stated that members of the American Federation of Teachers are not particularly concerned about the potential abolition of the Education Department. In a previous MSNBC appearance, she mentioned that the AFT had historically opposed the creation of the department, advocating for it to remain within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
As the debate continues around the fate of the Department of Education, it remains a topic of interest and concern for educators, policymakers, and advocates alike, as they seek to navigate the complex landscape of American education policy and practice.
