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Republicans attack public schools. Trump is no exception

Posted on by Vanessa
Republicans attack public schools. Trump is no exception

We must be aware of the danger of education becoming a victim of political rhetoric. And we must continue to fight for equal access to education and not weaponize it.

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Former President Donald Trump used public education as a weapon in his campaign for the White House, continuing to fight against DEI programs and even threatening to shut down the Department of Education.

He is not alone.

The Republican Party has repeatedly attacked public schools and teachers unions while promoting vouchers and other initiatives that drain resources from classrooms. The idea of ​​closing the Department of Education has been a Republican rallying cry for decades.

I recently saw an interview with Trump on “Fox & Friends” in which he claimed, “We're going to take the Department of Education, close it, I'm going to close it.”

Trump's vow reflects a broader agenda, as outlined in the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, aimed at reducing federal oversight of education and limiting government spending on essential services.

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Republicans have long criticized the Department of Education

The Department of Education was created in 1979 during the administration of President Jimmy Carter to improve access to education and increase federal funding for schools.

Republicans criticized its introduction, claiming it was an overreach of the federal government's role and an expansion of bureaucracy.

Although efforts to dismantle the department were unsuccessful, the idea of ​​dismantling it perpetuates the small-government rhetoric that Republicans have used during the election season.

Republicans argue that the federal presence in education stifles creativity, drives up spending and undermines local governance.

Federal oversight helps ensure equality in education

But the federal government provides education funding that includes student loans, special education grants and Title I dollars to schools that serve low-income students.

Closing the department could potentially take away billions of dollars in federal money that school districts rely on.

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Since its founding, the department has enforced civil rights laws in education and ensured that students with disabilities, minorities and other marginalized groups receive equal treatment and opportunities.

Eliminating this oversight would eliminate federal protections for these groups and lead to greater inequities in our nation's public schools.

As Americans, we must recognize the danger that arises when education becomes a victim of political rhetoric. And we must continue to fight for equal access to education and not weaponize it.

Marla Bautista is a military columnist for USA TODAY Opinion.

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