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Donald Trump has been president of the United States for less than two months, and he wants to shut down the country's Department of Education. His idea is to return responsibility for education to the states. This proposal was a highlight of his campaign and his plans for government until 2025.
A certain sector has not taken this news well, as it would force a total change, a step backwards that could create educational inequality in different parts of the United States.
Closing the Department of Education would face many political challenges, but the truth is that Donald Trump doesn't care, and if he follows through with his insistence, he could do it, as this is his goal.
While it is still being analyzed whether this order will be accepted, many are already finding the possible consequences. Here we leave you with the possible effects that this educational model could have on the country.
How will it affect the education system?
Student loans
A Trump executive order could delay financial aid notifications, affecting low-income students. Past problems with the FAFSA have already reduced applications. Without the FAFSA, there is no Pell Grant. In 2019-20, 72 percent of students received aid, and 40 percent received Pell Grants. A delay could discourage enrollment and change college plans.
Loan repayment
Even if Trump changes the Department of Education, student loans are still your responsibility. It could affect income-based payments and debt forgiveness. The Higher Education Act governs this, and Congress must approve any changes. Experts worry this will make paying off loans even more complicated.
Public schools
Money for schools comes mostly from local sources, and the federal government will provide only 13.6% in 2021-2022. If the federal budget is cut, states with more poor families will be in trouble. States with more money may receive more state aid, but in the poorest states, children will have fewer resources. Experts believe this will lead to overcrowded classrooms, cuts in special education, and unprecedented erosion of student protections.
What will states do?
Donald Trump set off alarm bells last Tuesday with comments at his conference that have left many schools and states full of fear and anxiety.
"Imagine if we were frozen out of billions of dollars from the federal government," said Senator Mary Kunesh.
Local Republicans say there is no need to create false scenarios until we know more. It's not clear if Trump will keep the basic functions of the Department of Education, but his idea is to eliminate it and leave that responsibility to the states.