Card 8: Education in America

Education in America:
Why It Matters to You

Since our country’s founding, education has been a vital part of America. From inner cities to the most rural areas, a good education has always been seen as a pathway to a better life.

Established by Congress in 1980, the U.S. Department of Education plays a key role in ensuring equal educational opportunities, promoting scholastic excellence, and supporting the nation’s education system through funding, research, and policy initiatives. It is currently under attack.

The Department of Education guarantees every child, regardless of race, religion, background, disability, or other special needs, the right to a free, quality education from kindergarten through 12th grade. It safeguards every child against discrimination.

In 2024, the Department of Education distributed about $18 billion for low-income and rural schools, primarily in Republican-majority districts, and $15 billion for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The Department of Education does not select your school’s curriculum or dictate what your school teaches. That is the responsibility of state and local school boards.

By law, only Congress can eliminate the Department of Education or alter the funding of its programs. However, the current administration has laid off or notified more than half of the department’s employees and has ceased funding for specific programs.

Why Should You Care? An individual’s level of education impacts not only their own life but also the lives of others. An educated society enriches the lives of everyone in it.

Federal funding for low-income and rural schools is decreasing, which forces individual cities and towns to cover education costs, primarily through higher property and sales taxes. Increases in property taxes often result in higher rents.

Federal funds could support school voucher programs for tuition at private and religious institutions that could potentially discriminate against students based on race or disability. Using public funds for vouchers deprives public schools and their programs of per-pupil funding.

Teacher training grants are facing cuts, which could worsen the teacher shortage and deprive students of access to high-quality education. Employers are also affected by a less-skilled pool of potential employees coming out of high school.  

Colleges and universities are experiencing cuts in grants and funding, prompting some to rescind acceptance letters to graduate students, terminate research projects, or discontinue programs entirely, including vital cancer and other medical research.

What Can You Do About This Growing Crisis? 

Contact your Representatives and Senators and express your opposition to shutting down the Department of Education and your reasons. Find your Representatives and Senators link: https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/