WASHINGTON (7News) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order dismantling the Department of Education Thursday afternoon. 7News investigated what will happen next and how this will impact students, teachers, and the future of education in America.
Congress would need to approve the complete shutdown of the Department of Education. Trump has said the department is doing “no good,” and his administration has already started gutting it.
“We’re going to be returning education very simply back to the states where it belongs, and this is a very popular thing to do,” said President Trump.
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Surrounded by children at school desks, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.
Outside of the Department of Education students, a group protested the order in support of the millions of teachers, families, and students who were concerned about the challenges and losses this could bring.
“It is devastating,” said Stella Lovelady, a current student. “Both of my parents are teachers. My sister is a high school student. I am a student at a public university. The Department of Education is crucial to my family.”
Lovelady and Adah Crandall, both students, said this shows that the administration does not prioritize the families.
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“They’re saying this is all about quote-on-quote government efficiency,” Crandall said. “In reality, It’s all about Trump and his billionaire friends continuing to line their own pockets at the expense of young people and students like us.”
The White House states that student loans and Pell grants will continue, and funding for low-income schools under the Disabilities Education Act and Title 1 will not be impacted.
“We’re calling on Congress and the courts to push back against this executive order and stand up for students and teachers nationwide.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities responded to President Trump’s actions this week, saying it’s “jeopardizing protections for students with disabilities.”
President Trump said the Department of Education is to blame for America’s lagging academic performance and that states should improve their efforts.
“Everybody knows it’s right,” said Trump.
The Trump Administration started making cuts within the department last week. 7News was present when nearly half the department was laid off.
Rallies in front of the Department of Education are expected on Friday.
