Education Secretary Linda McMahon suggested the federal government shutdown highlights the potential dispensability of her agency. This comment came after the Education Department initiated layoffs impacting offices crucial for special education and civil rights. McMahon noted that despite the shutdown, schools continue to function with teachers receiving pay and students attending classes as usual. The Secretary’s remarks indicate a critical perspective on the necessity and efficiency of the department.
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Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, is resigning to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative educators’ group. Walters, known for his embrace of culture-war politics and his efforts to incorporate religion into classrooms, has been a controversial figure. He has faced lawsuits over his policies, including mandating the use of the Bible in lesson plans and promoting election conspiracies. Walters also announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in high schools before his resignation.
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President Trump signed an executive order initiating the dismantling of the Department of Education, though full abolishment requires Congressional approval. While the White House claims critical functions like student loan oversight will continue, the order directs significant downsizing, prompting immediate legislative action from Senator Cassidy. Opponents, including Democrats and several advocacy groups, strongly criticized the move, citing potential harm to vulnerable student populations and unconstitutionality. Public polling reveals widespread opposition to eliminating the department.
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The White House plans an executive order to eliminate the Department of Education, fulfilling a long-standing campaign promise by President Trump. While Congress’s approval is needed for such an action, the order reflects a broader Republican agenda to return education control to states. Opponents, such as the National Education Association, warn of negative consequences for students, particularly vulnerable populations. Despite Republican control of Congress, passing legislation to abolish the department faces significant hurdles, requiring bipartisan support.
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Following a federal investigation prompted by the suicide of a nonbinary student, the US Department of Education has determined that the Owasso Public School District violated Title IX by failing to adequately address multiple reports of sexual harassment. The investigation revealed a pattern of inconsistent responses to harassment complaints, with the district often failing to investigate or respond appropriately, demonstrating deliberate indifference to students’ civil rights. This pattern of inaction, including the district’s failure to investigate the student’s death as potential sexual harassment, contributed to a school environment that was unsafe and hostile for LGBTQ+ students. As a result, the district has agreed to implement new policies, procedures, and training to ensure compliance with Title IX and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
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President-elect Trump has proposed eliminating the Department of Education, returning education control to the states. This plan, part of his 10-point education agenda, includes promoting Christian Nationalism, attacking teachers’ unions, and diverting public funds to private schools. Trump also intends to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs through the Department of Justice, potentially harming Black and brown communities by hindering access to student debt relief, Pell Grants, and protections against discrimination. While Congress likely won’t vote to eliminate the Department of Education, Trump could significantly weaken it through executive actions, shifting the responsibility and burden of education funding to individual states.
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Superintendent Walters has issued a memo outlining his plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it will lead to a decline in the quality of education across the country.
Walters’ memo cites several reasons for dismantling the Department of Education, including the need to “champion parents’ rights,” “end social indoctrination,” and “protect patriotism.” He claims that the department has been overstepping its bounds and has been “ruining education” for decades.
However, critics argue that Walters’ proposals are thinly veiled attempts to restrict access to quality education and to promote a narrow, conservative ideology.… Continue reading
As an educator, the recent mandate by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters to have a Bible in every classroom and to incorporate it into lesson plans for grades 5-12 is both concerning and baffling. The controversial decision has been met with resistance from lawyers for teachers and school districts for valid reasons. Not only is this mandate not tied to any specific learning objectives such as Common Core standards, but it also raises constitutional concerns regarding the separation of church and state.
The vague consequences threatened by Walters for non-compliance with this mandate only add fuel to the fire. It is clear that this move is more about political posturing than actual educational improvement.… Continue reading
As a Latvian Russian living in Latvia, I have witnessed firsthand the recent changes in education policies that have sparked controversy. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled that the increased use of Latvian in education does not infringe on ethnic Russians’ rights. As someone who values diversity and cultural heritage, I must admit that I find myself conflicted on this matter.
The argument that teaching in Latvian is infringing on the rights of ethnic Russians seems unfounded to me. Latvia has a long history of being invaded and occupied by foreign powers, including Russia, and maintaining our cultural identity and language is essential to our national identity.… Continue reading
This recent announcement by the Oklahoma state superintendent mandating the incorporation of the Bible and the Ten Commandments into school curriculums has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and disbelief, and rightfully so. As someone who values the separation of church and state, this directive seems to be a blatant violation of that principle. The idea of requiring every classroom in the state to have a Bible and insisting that all teachers teach from it crosses a dangerous line regarding indoctrination.
The argument presented by Superintendent Walters that the Bible is a foundational document crucial for understanding the history and values of the United States is flawed and narrow-minded.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood