The Future of Education Without the Department of Education: A Risky Experiment with Uncertain Returns

By Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams, PhD

The idea of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education has gained traction in recent years, with proponents arguing that education should be left to states, local governments, and parents. Advocates for this shift claim that removing federal oversight would eliminate bureaucracy, reduce government overreach, and promote school choice. However, the absence of a centralized Department of Education would create more problems than it solves, threatening educational equity, funding stability, and national competitiveness.

One of the primary roles of the Department of Education is to set national academic standards and ensure that students across the country receive a quality education. Without federal oversight, education would become even more fragmented, with each state setting its own benchmarks. This would create unequal opportunities for students, as some states might lower their standards due to lack of resources or political pressure. For example, how would we ensure that a high school diploma from Mississippi holds the same value as one from Massachusetts? Without a national baseline, the quality of education would vary significantly, potentially leaving students from less wealthy states at a severe disadvantage when applying for college or jobs.

Another crucial function of the Department of Education is to distribute federal funding, particularly for low-income schools, students with disabilities, and higher education grants like Pell Grants. Without this funding, many public schools would struggle to operate, especially in underprivileged areas. Title I funding, which supports schools in low-income communities, provides billions of dollars annually to ensure that students receive necessary resources, from textbooks to school lunches. If left entirely to the states, many of these schools—already underfunded—could face drastic budget cuts, leading to overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and fewer opportunities for students who need the most support.

The Department of Education also plays a key role in regulating federal student loans and grants, ensuring that college is accessible to a broad range of students. Without it, the federal student loan program could be dismantled, leaving millions of students dependent on private lenders with higher interest rates and predatory lending practices. Furthermore, research universities and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) depend on federal grants to support scientific research, infrastructure, and scholarships. Without these funds, the U.S. could lose its competitive edge in global innovation as higher education becomes more expensive and inaccessible.

One of the most overlooked roles of the Department of Education is its enforcement of civil rights laws in schools. It ensures that students are not discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, or income level. Without a federal body to uphold these laws, there would be no consistent accountability for schools violating students' rights. For instance, students with disabilities rely on federal mandates like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to receive proper accommodations in schools. If left to states, some might cut back on these protections due to cost, leaving vulnerable students without the support they need.

While the Department of Education is far from perfect, abolishing it entirely would create more chaos than reform. A better approach would be to streamline its operations, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and give states more flexibility while maintaining essential oversight. We need federal support to ensure educational equity, protect students’ rights, and provide funding where it’s most needed. Instead of tearing down the institution, we should focus on making it more effective, transparent, and accountable.

Education is the backbone of our nation's future. Removing the Department of Education would not empower students—it would leave millions behind.