Introduction to the Crisis
The Trump administration has begun dismantling the U.S. Department of Education by laying off about half of the agency’s employees, casting uncertainty over how — or if — billions of federal dollars for California to help disadvantaged students and those with disabilities will be distributed, how college financial aid and student loans will be managed and how civil rights enforcement will be carried out.
Immediate Effects on California
In San Francisco, the regional branch of the department Office for Civil Rights — already backlogged with investigations into school-related discrimination — is expected to be closed, one of the broad effects of the layoffs that advocates say are sending tremors through school systems, including Los Angeles Unified.
“These reckless layoffs will sow chaos and confusion throughout our nation’s public school system,” said Guillermo Mayer, president and CEO of Public Advocates, a California-based law firm and advocacy group. “Instead of bolstering learning outcomes, the immediate effect of these actions is quite cruel. It forces millions of parents, especially parents of students with disabilities, to worry about whether their children will receive the services they need.”
“It strikes fear in the hearts of tens of thousands of low-income students who are now wondering, ‘What will happen to my financial aid? Will I be able to afford college?’” Mayer said.
Concerns from Education Leaders
L.A. school board member Kelly Gonez on Tuesday sponsored a resolution against cuts to federal education funding and addressed the federal layoffs Wednesday.
“We serve one of the most diverse populations in the country,” Gonez said. “We’re proud of serving immigrant families, many students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. So it’s a direct attack on the students and families that make up the majority of our students and that’s why the risk for potential harm is so great. While we’re still assessing, these are very concerning steps that we’re seeing.”
L.A. schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho said he’s concerned not only about the future levels of federal funding, but about potential policy changes to how it can be distributed, including “possibly a dilution” of the district’s $460 million in annual Title I money for academic support to offset the effects of poverty. California receives $2 billion in Title I funds, which is distributed to school districts.
The Administration’s Perspective
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sought to dispel concerns, saying the administration would abide by congressional funding mandates.
She said the layoffs reflect the department’s “commitment to efficiency, accountability and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents and teachers.”
The Final Mission
Even before she was confirmed by the Senate last week, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was under orders from Trump to “put herself out of job” by dismantling the department.
Immediately following her confirmation, McMahon issued a staff memo, which was vague on details, talking of “Our Department’s Final Mission” — shutting itself down. The department had a pre-Trump budget this year of about $80 billion. Salary and benefits for the department were set at about $917 million.
Debate Over Dismantling the Department
The environment for schools and colleges is risky and uncertain, said John B. King Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York and a U.S. secretary of Education under President Obama.
“We’re facing both threats — the threat of loss of funding for critical programs, and the threat of weaponization,” King said. “That weaponization is about bringing control — of what students do day-to-day in the classroom — to Washington.”
Mari Barke, a member of the Orange County Board of Education, said critics are being unnecessarily alarmist as it relates to school districts that serve students through high school.
“Sometimes I think less government is better,” Barke said. “If we could somehow eliminate some of the inefficiencies and waste, that might be a good thing.”
Student Loans, Civil Rights
Trump and his team have spoken of transferring major programs to other agencies rather than eliminating them.
The student loan programs for higher education could transfer to the Small Business Administration, the Department of the Treasury or the Department of Commerce. This move could disrupt services to 43 million students and borrowers who owe the government more than $1.5 trillion. About half of Cal State University students, for example, receive student loans, a portfolio of more than $1 billion.
The Impact on California
California receives an estimated $16.3 billion annually in federal funding, or about $2,750 per student. The Los Angeles Unified School District — the nation’s second-largest school system — puts its annual federal support at $1.26 billion.
Not all of these dollars funnel through the Department of Education. Significant federal funding for early childhood education comes from the Department of Health and Human Services, and the gigantic student meal program is housed in the Department of Agriculture. L.A. Unified alone estimates that it receives about $363 million to feed students from low-income families.
Conclusion
The dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education by the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the education sector, with California being significantly affected. The layoffs and potential policy changes have raised concerns among educators, advocates, and students about the future of federal funding, civil rights enforcement, and student loans. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the education system in California and the nation as a whole.
FAQs
- Q: What is happening to the U.S. Department of Education?
A: The Trump administration is dismantling the department, laying off about half of its employees, and potentially transferring major programs to other agencies. - Q: How will this affect California?
A: California receives an estimated $16.3 billion annually in federal funding, which may be impacted by the changes. The Los Angeles Unified School District alone receives $1.26 billion in federal support. - Q: What programs may be transferred to other agencies?
A: The student loan programs for higher education could be transferred to the Small Business Administration, the Department of the Treasury, or the Department of Commerce. - Q: How will this affect civil rights enforcement?
A: The Office for Civil Rights, which investigates and takes action to stop school-related discrimination, may be shifted to the U.S. Department of Justice. - Q: What is the potential impact on students with disabilities?
A: The changes may affect the distribution of federal funding for services and support for students with disabilities, causing concern among parents and advocates.
