Department of Education Initiates Extensive Civil Rights Investigations Amid Budget Cuts

The Department of Education has announced it is launching investigations into 45 universities accused of engaging in discriminatory scholarship and graduate programs. The agency’s focus is on addressing what it describes as “race-exclusionary practices” that might hinder equal opportunities for students.

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the importance of merit-based assessments in education. She stated that students should be evaluated on their accomplishments rather than judged by their race. McMahon stated that the department remains committed to ensuring all students are protected from illegal discrimination.

Responsibilities of the Department of Education

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights plays a critical role in enforcing nondiscrimination policies across federally funded educational institutions. Despite recent budget cuts, the department reassured the public that it will continue to investigate complaints and uphold federal civil rights laws. Madi Biedermann, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications, confirmed that despite these cuts, enforcement efforts remain a priority.

The Department of Education also handles various responsibilities, including overseeing federal funding, managing student loans, and enforcing nondiscrimination policies in schools. Most educational governance, however, falls under state jurisdiction, with roughly 92% of school funding sourced from non-federal funds.

Impact of Budget Cuts on Educational Services

Under President Donald Trump, significant reductions have been made to the Department of Education’s budget. One of the administration’s objectives is to minimize the department’s role in education, allowing states to take control. Trump has claimed that these cuts will not adversely affect students and families.

One of the largest components of the Department is the Federal Student Aid office, managing approximately $120.8 billion in grants and loans annually through programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Despite the reduction in workforce, Biedermann assured that core functions related to FAFSA and school funding were unchanged.

Federal Funding and the Evolution of Policy

Historically, the Department of Education has implemented specific funding requirements for educational institutions. For instance, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act mandates drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs at colleges and universities receiving federal funds.

Recently reported studies highlight contrasting approaches to federal education funding under different administrations. The Biden administration allocated around $1 billion for grants promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These funds supported various projects focused on race-based hiring and DEI programming, indicating a strong federal commitment to these values.

In contrast, Trump’s administration has vowed to significantly cut funding for DEI initiatives in education, warning institutions that federal funding may be at risk if they continue such practices. This has led to debates over the federal government’s role in shaping educational policies.

Policy Control and Local Governance

Experts note that while the federal government contributes about 10% to education funding, it sets substantial policy guidelines that influence local schools. Max Eden, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, commented that the removal of the Department of Education would not significantly affect federal funding levels. However, it would grant local schools more autonomy to establish policies aligned with their community values and preferences.

The Department does not dictate curriculum requirements, which remain vested in state and local authorities. For example, recent legislation in Oklahoma mandates that public schools incorporate biblical teachings into their curricula.

In contrast, the State of Washington has established health education standards requiring early education students to learn about diverse gender expressions. These starkly different requirements in various states illustrate the freedoms granted to local educational authorities.

The Role of Accreditation

The Department of Education does not oversee the accreditation of universities, which means that it does not evaluate educational quality for federal funding purposes. Local agencies and boards assume responsibility for ensuring educational standards are met.

McMahon reiterated that the federal government’s role in education is limited, asserting that states and local school boards drive educational opportunities. She addressed frustration with the department’s reductions by stating that such workforce cuts attempt to prevent bureaucratic inefficiencies while maintaining student opportunities.

A Broad Perspective on Current Developments

As the Department of Education continues its civil rights probes, the broader implications of educational funding, diversity initiatives, and local governance remain a pivotal focus. The debates surrounding these issues capture the ongoing evolution of educational policy in the United States.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Education for further comment but has yet to receive a response. This ongoing story highlights the crucial intersection of education, civil rights, and government policy in shaping institutional practices.

Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley, Greg Wehner, Jamie Joseph, and Jessica Chasmar contributed to this report.