March 20, 2025 Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities - Executive Order

On March 20, 2025, the President issued an executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education and the transfer of its responsibilities to state and local governments. The order cites concerns over federal involvement in education policy, the department’s cost, and the effectiveness of its programs.

Key Points of the Order

1. Purpose and Justification

   • The order asserts that federal oversight of education has been ineffective and costly. It highlights that approximately $200 billion was allocated to schools at the federal level during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the $60 billion in annual federal education funding.

   • The Department of Education, established in 1979, is described as an unnecessary bureaucracy, with specific mention of its $10 million annual public relations budget and a staff of over 80 in that office.

   • The order references data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), stating that 70% of 8th graders were below proficient in reading, and 72% were below proficient in math, as evidence of the system’s failure.

     
     

2. Implementation of Closure

   • The Secretary of Education is directed to take steps to dismantle the department while maintaining essential education services.

   • The order emphasizes a transition plan to avoid disruption in education funding and policy implementation at the state level.

     
     

3. Student Loan Management

   • The executive order highlights that the Department of Education manages a $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio but lacks sufficient personnel to oversee such a program, noting that the Office of Federal Student Aid has fewer than 1,500 employees, while private banks of similar scale employ significantly more staff.

   • The order states that the Dept. of Ed. is not a bank and must return bank functions to an entity better suited to handle financial services.

   • The order also states, "Ultimately, the Department of Education’s main functions can, and should, be returned to the States. "

     
     

4. Funding Compliance and Anti-Discrimination Provisions

   • Federal education funding allocations will be required to comply with federal law and administration policy.

   • The order states that programs promoting "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) or "gender ideology" that violate anti-discrimination laws will be subject to termination.

     
     

5. General Provisions

   • The order does not override existing legal authorities and must be implemented within the bounds of federal law and available funding.

   • It does not create any new legal rights enforceable against the government.

     
     

Implications

This executive order initiates the process of closing the Department of Education, marking a significant shift in federal education policy. It aims to return decision-making authority to state and local governments while ensuring continued support for education services. The order also calls for reforms in student loan management and seeks to enforce compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws in education funding.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/

Writer's Note: Summary made with the use of AI tools for editing and quick processing, facts checked against the order before publishing.