Rashee Alston Prof. L COMM 3915 12/08/2024 The future with no education The foundation of our future starts with our youth and their education. America is currently transitioning to a country that is assisting and supporting private education, as opposed to a scaling percentage of 83% K-12 public schools. Our board of education is a combination of state, federal, and local dollars dedicated to assisting students who fall under the following: English learners, Disabilities, and Low-income. “Federal dollars supplement state resources by narrowing funding gaps for at-risk students through programs such as Title I grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Part B grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”(Peterson Foundation, 2024). Already lacking within society, imagine what learning would be like for any minority student. Minimizing or eliminating a chance at a fair education is the product of erasing the board of education. Let’s not mention the book ban spree. Assistance isn’t only necessary for primary education students, but secondary as well. Students who pursue higher education most likely need to outsource for funding to put them through school. The department of education is responsible for contributing state and federal funds to struggling students(through Title I);these resources include but are not limited to pell grants, student loans, and other awardable grants. As a college student I can tell you first hand of the stress you endure during your entire college career. With aid being dependent on income, it’s sometimes unreasonably determined that students do not receive financial assistance. Some students are required to work full time just so they’re able to afford college. According to The Institute for College Access & Success, as of 2020 New Jersey alone has accumulated 63% of college graduates in debt with an average owed amount of $35,000. Student debt doesn’t just affect the student, but it affects the economy on a national scale. Living with debt prevents you from being trusted by investors and corporations which could slow or stop you from making hefty, vital purchases or investments. If America’s economy continues to accumulate debt it will eventually take a toll on businesses, production, and growth in America, hindering our economy on a global scale. With the results of America’s presidential election, motions are in effect to strategically secure the future of education the victorious party has in mind. The republican party is finalizing seats within the department of education, including a secretary position after Betsy DeVos resignation. Possible candidates include “Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who ran for the GOP presidential nomination before dropping out and endorsing Trump, and former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, who left Congress last year after an unsuccessful bid for governor”(Peetz, 2024). Seizing control over all chambers of congress(Senate, state, federal etc.)the republican party could have the power to rewrite the terms stated within Title IX. With some republican run states, there are plans in motion to enforce President Trump's initiatives. There are regulations on hold within 26 states which will overturn the laws prohibition on sex discrimination(including identity). Books that discuss race or gender identity will be banned from schools. During Trump's first term OCR took legal action against a Connecticut district that allowed students who were born male but identified as female to compete in girls’ sports. With full control over the nation and its branches, his efforts can be put into full effect. In conclusion, the Department of Education acts as an essential cornerstone in shaping a fair and equitable future for all students in America. Without the department's support, crucial programs for undermining communities, those students will be at a life disadvantage. This will create a society where education is not a right but a privilege for the few. The department’s role in providing financial aid to college students through grants, loans, and other funding programs helps ease the burden of student debt, which has become a serious economic concern. However, as this political shift threatens to reshape the scope of American education, it’s crucial that we support and protect the department’s role in ensuring access to quality education. The Department of Education’s future is directly tied to the prosperity and well-being of both individuals and the nation. Knowledge is power, and eliminating resources will eliminate opportunity. Works cited (Interactive Map, n.d.; Peetz, 2024; Peterson Foundation, 2024; Schaeffer, 2024) Peetz, C. (2024, November 6). How trump’s second term will affect education: 4 things to know. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/how-trumps-second-term-will-affect-education-4 -things-to-know/2024/11 Peterson Foundation. (2024, November 15). How is K-12 education funded? Peterson Foundation. https://www.pgpf.org/article/how-is-k-12-education-funded/ Schaeffer, K. (2024, June 6). U.S. public, private and charter schools in 5 charts. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/06/us-public-private-and-charter-schoo ls-in-5-charts/
