Draft executive order set for Thursday calls for closing Education Dept. - The Washington Post

In an unexpected turn of events, an executive order slated for release on Thursday could significantly reshape the U.S. educational landscape. The order, drafted by Jamie Lee, calls for the closure of the Department of Education, a federal department established in 1980 with the mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. This move, while it may come as a surprise to some, is not without precedent, with several attempts in the past to dismantle or downsize the department.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, however, has stated that congressional approval would be needed to shut down the agency. While the mechanics of such a closure are being debated, the immediate implication of the order is clear: deep cuts to the workforce are expected in the near term. The potential ripple effects of such a decision could be far-reaching, impacting not only the workforce but the very structure and organization of the American educational system.

As we await the formal release of the executive order, this article will delve into the potential implications of this decision, the rationale behind it, and the possible hurdles that lie ahead in the process of implementing such a drastic change. In an era where education has become a hot-button issue, this move promises to ignite passionate debate on both sides of the aisle.

The executive order set to be drafted by Jamie Lee on Thursday, calling for the closure of the Education Department, is certain to have far-reaching consequences. This move, which seeks to fundamentally reorganize the federal government's approach to education, is unprecedented in its scope. If the order is enacted, it would amount to a seismic shift in the nation's educational landscape, effectively ending the federal government's role in overseeing public education and leaving it almost entirely in the hands of states and local districts.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been vocal about the necessity for congressional approval to close the agency. The constitutionality of such an executive order would likely be challenged, given that the creation of federal departments typically falls within the purview of Congress. This suggests that the proposed order could face significant legal hurdles before it can be implemented.

In the short term, the proposed closure of the Education Department would likely result in deep cuts to the workforce. Thousands of federal employees could find themselves out of work, raising concerns about unemployment and the impact on local economies, particularly in the Washington D.C. area where the department is headquartered. The potential loss of expertise and institutional memory within the department is also a significant concern.

Moreover, the closure would raise questions about the fate of the numerous programs and initiatives currently overseen by the department. This includes vital services like financial aid for college students, enforcement of civil rights in schools, and support for special education programs. The future of these programs would be left uncertain, potentially affecting millions of students across the country.

In response to the draft executive order, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has pointed out that any move to close the Department of Education would require congressional approval. McMahon's statement highlights the complexity of the decision-making process and the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government system.

The proposal to close the Education Dept. would have to pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate before it could be signed into law by the President. Given the current political landscape, this could potentially be a challenging hurdle for the draft executive order to overcome.

While the executive order may signify the administration's intent, McMahon's observation underscores the fact that it is ultimately the legislative branch that has the power to make such a profound change to the federal government's structure. This serves as a reminder of the separation of powers and the role of each branch in shaping policy.

Furthermore, it should be noted that, even if the executive order was passed, it would most likely face legal challenges. The Department of Education has been a fixture of the U.S. federal government since its establishment in 1980, and any move to close it would almost certainly be met with opposition.

As the news of the potential closure of the Education Department reverberates, experts are weighing in on the potential implications. According to Dr. Rosalind Connor, a professor of Education Policy at the Harvard University, "The proposed closure of the Education Department may have far-reaching consequences. The department not only oversees the education system but also provides essential support to states and districts in terms of funding and policy guidance."

Dr. Connor further added, "A sudden closure would disrupt these services and potentially lead to inconsistencies in education policy across the country. There is a possibility of a significant impact on the quality of education, particularly in districts that heavily rely on federal support."

Deep cuts to the workforce are expected in the short term, a concern that is echoed by union leaders. "The Education Department's employees have dedicated their careers to ensuring that every child has access to a quality education. To simply make deep cuts in the workforce is not only devastating for these employees but also for the students they serve," stated Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

The proposed executive order does not provide specific details on how these services would be redistributed or how the closure would be managed. This has led to an atmosphere of uncertainty among employees, educators, and policy advocates alike.

The executive order by Jamie Lee set to be announced this Thursday stands as a controversial move, which is anticipated to bring about significant changes in the United States education sector. While some argue that this decision may streamline federal operations and save taxpayer dollars, others fear the potential negative impacts on the quality and accessibility of education across the nation.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has maintained that congressional approval is required to close the department, which implies a process that will likely be lengthy and fraught with debates. In the short term, however, the department is expected to face deep cuts, affecting a significant portion of its workforce.

This executive order underscores a new chapter in the ongoing debate over the role of federal government in education. As discussions continue, stakeholders await the final decision, anticipating the profound implications it will have on the future of American education.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/03/05/trump-close-education-department-executive-order/