Syracuse Sun

A panel discussion at the Maxwell School, hosted by the Center for Policy Research, recently examined the potential consequences of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The event was attended by over 250 participants and occurred shortly before Linda McMahon's swearing-in as Secretary of Education. On that same day, McMahon sent an email titled “Our Department’s Final Mission,” which fueled speculation about a possible executive order to abolish the department.

Robert Bifulco, professor of public administration and international affairs, moderated the session with faculty members Elizabeth Martin, Michah Rothbart, and Sean Drake. They explored various aspects related to education policy and federal funding.

Bifulco provided context regarding the department's budget allocations: “About 60 percent of the Department of Education budget is spent on Pell grants and federal student loan programs; 17 percent on Title I grants to high poverty schools; and 14 percent to support the education of students with disabilities.” He also noted President Trump's claims that "the department has been overtaken by radicals" and questioned what specific cuts people would support given these allocations.

Elizabeth Martin discussed how dismantling the department could impact students seeking higher education: “Dismantling the Department of Education...would affect a lot of people.” She expressed concerns about increasing inequality between states if federal aid functions were moved elsewhere.

Michah Rothbart highlighted potential issues with shifting educational loans away from federal oversight: “Federal student loans provide protections against inability to pay in some circumstances.” He suggested this change might lead to greater reliance on private loans lacking such protections.

Rothbart also pointed out that reducing or reallocating funding could diminish federal influence over educational policy: “The federal government only provides a small portion of public school funding but leverages that to nudge educational priorities.”

Bifulco emphasized that eliminating major programs would require congressional action: “I think that’s very unlikely.” However, he mentioned potential shifts in responsibilities among other departments as more probable outcomes.

The panelists concluded by discussing historical examples where education-related programs were managed outside the Department of Education. Rothbart remarked on this reshuffling as "a pretty fruitful discussion," noting several existing cross-departmental arrangements within government agencies today.

For further details about this eventful dialogue at Maxwell School visit their website for complete coverage by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.