President Donald Trump promised for years to abolish the department — which he can’t do without congressional approval.
If you’re cheering on President Trump and Elon Musk for dismantling the Department of Education, you might want to hit the books—or at least do a quick online search—because you clearly have no idea what the DOE actually does. And if you have kids with IEPs or 504 plans, you’re about to learn the hard way just how crucial this department is in protecting their education.
Here’s a reality check on what the Department of Education actually does:
What the DOE DOES:
✅ Protects students with disabilities – Enforces IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 plans under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Without these protections, schools could deny accommodations to kids who need them.
✅ Ensures equal access to education – Enforces Title IX (protecting students from sex discrimination), Title VI (protecting against racial discrimination), and laws ensuring English language learners and low-income students receive fair opportunities.
✅ Provides federal education funding – Allocates billions to public schools, Title I schools (serving low-income students), special education programs, and Pell Grants for college students.
✅ Oversees federal student loans – Manages programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, and loan relief programs (yes, including the ones many of you supported). And if the DOE disappears? You’ll still be responsible for repaying your loans.
✅ Holds schools accountable – Investigates discrimination cases, enforces civil rights laws, and prevents fraud in higher education (like those scam colleges that take your money and leave you with worthless degrees).
✅ Supports teachers and education research – Funds programs to improve teaching methods, early childhood education, and STEM initiatives to help students stay competitive globally.
What the DOE DOES NOT Do:
❌ Does NOT control what your kids learn – State and local school boards set curriculum, textbooks, and education standards—not the DOE.
❌ Does NOT run public schools – Schools are operated by state and local districts, not the federal government.
❌ Does NOT hire or fire teachers – Teacher salaries, hiring, and qualifications are determined by state laws and local school boards.
❌ Does NOT mandate Common Core – That’s a state decision. The DOE does not force states to adopt any specific standards.
❌ Does NOT regulate private schools – Private and religious schools operate independently with minimal federal oversight.
❌ Does NOT set college tuition – Public universities are funded by state governments, which determine their own tuition rates. The DOE only provides federal aid and loan programs.
So, congratulations to those celebrating the gutting of the one department that protects millions of students—especially those with disabilities, low-income backgrounds, and college debt. When reality finally hits, I hope you remember that you applauded taking away protections for your own children, neighbors, and future generations.
