Education Leaders Praise Trump’s Dismantling of Federal Education Department as a Victory

Education Leaders Praise Trump’s Dismantling of Federal Education Department as a Victory

The head of Oklahoma’s public school system has voiced support for President Donald Trump’s move to dismantle the federal Department of Education, declaring that Trump will be remembered as the president who revitalized education in the United States.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration revealed plans to significantly reduce the size of the Department of Education, cutting its staff by more than 50%. This ‘reduction in force’ would decrease the employee count from around 4,133 to approximately 2,183 positions.

Trump has previously stated his intention to completely eliminate the Department of Education and transfer educational authority back to the states.

Despite objections from Democrats and media outlets forecasting dire consequences for American education, Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, believes that Trump’s actions align with the needs of students, parents, and the nation. He described the situation as a historic moment for American education.

Walters asserted that Trump will go down in history as the president who preserved education and secured a brighter future for the country.

Response to Concerns about Education Reform

According to Walters, the Department of Education had long been influenced by radical teachers’ unions such as the American Federation of Teachers. He claims these organizations have promoted divisive ideologies such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as other progressive agendas in states, including Oklahoma.

Walters stated that federal interference in education, mainly through unionization, disrupted the foundations of educational systems that valued community and individualism.

He mentioned the excess of bureaucrats pushing a left-wing agenda, arguing they teach children to harbor negative feelings about their country and faith.

Walters claimed that teachers have expressed frustration with mandated federal training programs that divert focus away from improving student achievement. Instead, such programs promote ideological agendas, not academic success.

Impacts of Federal Policies on Student Performance

After assuming office in January 2023, Walters faced immediate challenges from the Biden administration. He noted that federal funding was being used as leverage to enforce controversial policies like diversity and gender ideology in classrooms.

He voiced his confusion about discussions of transgender issues in Algebra One classes, insisting that there is no relevance between the two subjects and criticizing the administration’s willingness to push such narratives.

Walters argues that these policies have negatively affected student performance, as evidenced by declining test scores across the board.

He elaborated on the impact of federal education policies, noting a correlation between the establishment of the Department of Education, the influence of teachers’ unions, and worsening societal issues. He pointed to rising rates of teenage suicide and drug use as indicators of systemic failure.

Potential Benefits of Reducing the Department’s Size

Walters anticipates that reducing the Department of Education could release significant funds currently spent on bureaucratic salaries, redirecting those resources to directly support students and teachers.

He highlighted a previous initiative where he successfully cut 150 positions from the Oklahoma Education Department, which resulted in millions saved. This enabled his team to create tutoring opportunities and provide more competitive salaries to attract qualified teachers.

Walters expressed optimism that similar successes at the federal level would multiply the impact on student education.

Reassurances from Parent Groups

Tiffany Justice, co-founder of the parent advocacy group Moms for Liberty, offered assurances to parents, emphasizing that their children’s education will not suffer from the proposed changes.

Justice urged parents to dismiss fears propagated by unions, asserting that dismantling the Department of Education could enhance parental control over educational matters, which aligns with why unions are expressing concern.

She remarked on the declining achievement levels among students since the Department’s inception, describing the current situation in education as a crisis of national significance. She emphasized the issue of reading proficiency as a critical concern for the future.

Criticism from Opponents

In response to Trump’s proposed cuts, almost two dozen Democratic attorneys general have initiated legal action against the Trump administration, seeking to halt the reductions to the Department of Education.

Becky Pringle, the president of the National Education Association, criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department. She labeled the administration’s actions as neglectful to students, parents, and communities.

A Turning Point for Education Policy

The debate surrounding the future of the Department of Education is emblematic of the broader ideological battle regarding education policy in the United States. As various stakeholders express their viewpoints, the implications of these changes could resonate throughout the educational landscape for years to come.

The ongoing discussions highlight the pressing need for innovative solutions that prioritize student learning and address the diverse needs of families across the nation. As the political arena shifts, education leaders continue to advocate for reforms they believe will pave the way for a more effective educational system.