· 2 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Associated Press or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Education Department, fulfilling a campaign pledge and aiming to return control over education to states and local communities
• The order keeps some core functions like Title I funding, Pell grants, and support for children with disabilities
• However, the full shutdown would require Congressional approval
🔭 The context: Created in 1979, the Education Department manages federal student aid, enforces civil rights in education, and oversees key funding for vulnerable students
• Republicans have long criticised it as bureaucratic and ideologically biased, while Democrats defend its role in ensuring equitable education access
• Trump’s administration has already halved its workforce and slashed departments like the Office for Civil Rights
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Education underpins long-term sustainability by empowering future generations with knowledge and critical thinking skills
• Weakening federal oversight could exacerbate inequality, particularly for underserved communities
• This move also risks politicising education policy and undermining consistent national standards
⏭️ What's next: Congressional Republicans plan to introduce legislation to close the department, though Democrats and some Republicans are poised to block it
• Legal challenges are expected from civil rights groups and public education advocates
• The reallocation of departmental responsibilities remains unclear and could disrupt ongoing educational services
💬 One quote: “This is a dark day for the millions of American children who depend on federal funding for a quality education,” — Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP
📈 One stat: Federal funding accounts for roughly 14% of public school budgets in the U.S.
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