The U.S. Department of Education: Political Affiliations, Roles, and Controversies

Introduction

The Department of Education has been a subject of political debate since its establishment in 1980 under President Jimmy Carter. Understanding its functions and the political leanings of its leaders is crucial, as is the evolving role of the federal government in education. This article explores the department's responsibilities, its historical context, the political affiliations of key personnel, and the ongoing debates surrounding its existence and influence.

Historical Context and Evolution

The federal government's involvement in education dates back to 1867 when the first "Department of Education" was created. However, it was soon downgraded to an "office." The role of this office remained limited until the late 1950s when the launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite led to increased federal spending on education.

A significant expansion occurred in 1965 with President Lyndon B. Johnson's Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Higher Education Act. These laws dramatically increased federal aid to schools and colleges, marking a turning point in the federal role in education.

President Carter established the Department of Education in October 1979, fulfilling a campaign promise. The goal was to elevate education to a "top-level priority," ensure accountability in federal education programs, streamline funding, and empower local communities. However, this move was met with opposition, particularly during President Ronald Reagan's administration.

Reagan's Education Secretary, Terrel H. Bell, proposed converting the agency into a small research foundation. Although this proposal did not lead to immediate action, it highlighted the ongoing debate about the department's role and size.

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Key Responsibilities of the Department of Education

The Department of Education plays several critical roles in the American education system:

Funding and Grants

The department administers a substantial budget, addressing education from prekindergarten through postsecondary levels. It oversees various grant programs, including Title I, which provides funds to schools with high populations of low-income students, and IDEA, which supports special education services for students with disabilities.

Smaller grant programs, such as the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, support career and technical education, while Title II provides funding for teacher training and professional development. Additionally, the department manages supplemental funding for schools during emergencies like the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing billions in aid.

Student Financial Aid

The department plays a significant role in higher education through student loans, the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA), and the Pell Grant program, which supports college students with exceptional financial need.

Civil Rights Enforcement

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for investigating and resolving school violations of civil rights laws. Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, religion, and disability status. The OCR receives and investigates complaints, working with schools to ensure compliance with civil rights laws, although the ultimate consequence for non-compliance is the potential loss of federal funding.

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Education Research

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) oversees education statistics, research, and evaluation. It comprises centers focused on education statistics, research, evaluation, and special education research. The IES collects and analyzes data on student performance, demographics, and other relevant information, administering the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card.

Political Leaning and Appointments

The political alignment of the Department of Education is significantly influenced by presidential administrations and their appointed officials. Different administrations prioritize different aspects of education.

Trump Administration

Under President Donald Trump, the Department of Education, led by Secretary Betsy DeVos, emphasized school choice. Although Trump proposed a federal voucher program and considered eliminating the department, his administration ultimately increased education funding.

Key Trump Administration Appointees

Jeffrey Andrade: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation, Office of Postsecondary Education. Andrade has nearly 40 years of experience in federal education and workforce development policy. He previously worked at the Department of Education and as a senior Republican staffer on the House Education and Workforce Committee.
James Bergeron: Deputy Under Secretary. Bergeron previously served as President and CEO of the National Council of Higher Education Resources and worked on the House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Murray Bessette: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. Bessette was the Director of Academic Programs at the Alexander Hamilton Society and Senior Vice President of Education at the Common Sense Society.
Madi Biedermann: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Communications and Outreach. Biedermann has experience in education policy and communications, previously serving as an Assistant Secretary of Education for Governor Glenn Youngkin and at the Office of Management and Budget in the Trump Administration.
Michael Brickman: Senior Advisor. Brickman previously led policies related to accreditation, distance and competency-based education, and employer-education partnerships. He also worked at the Cicero Institute and the American Enterprise Institute.
Brandy Brown: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Brown served as Director of Strategic Communications at the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration.
Lindsey Burke: Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs. Burke spent 17 years at the Heritage Foundation, where she was Director of the Center for Education Policy.
Andrew Cuff: Chief Speechwriter. Cuff previously served as Senior Fellow at the America First Policy Institute, focusing on higher education and workforce issues.
Pamela Davidson: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education, Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs. Davidson previously served as an Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy with the Association of American Universities.
Amber Mariano Davis: Chief of Staff, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. Davis served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives and chaired the Postsecondary and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee.
Jason Delisle: Chief Economist and Senior Adviser, Office of the Under Secretary. Delisle has held senior positions at the American Enterprise Institute and the Urban Institute.
Christine Diaz-Harrison: Appointed to the National Council on Disability. Diaz-Harrison founded the National Accelerator of Autism Charter Schools.
Hannah Ruth Earl: Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Earl is the former executive director of America’s Future.
Chase Forrester: Principal Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief of Staff for the Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary. Forrester most recently served as the Chief Events Officer at America First Policy Institute.
Isaac Hampton: Special Assistant on Higher Education, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Hampton previously worked as the Regional Election Integrity Director for the Montana GOP.
Julie Hartman: Senior Advisor, Office of Communications and Outreach. Hartman is a broadcast host and writer who has appeared on various news outlets.
John Huston: Deputy General Counsel. Huston served in the Trump Administration as a senior advisor in the Office of Postsecondary Education.

Biden Administration

The Biden administration has focused on pandemic recovery and revising Title IX, with ambitious plans for student loan relief. However, these plans faced legal challenges. The administration also oversaw the implementation of a new FAFSA form, which experienced technical issues and delays.

Other Notable Figures

William Bennett: Served as Secretary of Education during the Reagan administration, advocating for "virtue-based education" rooted in traditional values.
Margaret Spellings: Served as Secretary of Education during the George W. Bush administration, championing standards-based education with an emphasis on accountability.
Arne Duncan: Served as Education Secretary during the Obama administration, implementing the Race to the Top program.

Political Controversies and Debates

The Department of Education has faced numerous political controversies and debates throughout its history.

Abolishing the Department

The idea of abolishing the Department of Education has been a recurring theme, particularly among Republicans. Proponents argue that it centralizes too much control over education, which should primarily be the responsibility of states and local communities.

Donald Trump revived efforts to close the department, with a draft executive order directing the Education Secretary to prepare for its closure. However, dissolving the department would require an act of Congress, making it a complex and uncertain endeavor.

Federal Funding and Control

The balance between federal funding and local control is a central issue. While federal funding constitutes a relatively small portion of K-12 education funding, it comes with regulations and mandates that can influence state and local education policies.

Voters support connecting education to jobs and careers, including providing high school students with pathways that give them choices for college- and career-oriented options after graduation. Policies that develop, sustain, and expand access to college and career pathways in high schools create opportunities for meaningful educational paths that engage students as partners in their learning, provide access to advanced academic content and early college credit, foster work-based skills and experiences so students make real-world connections to what is happening in the classroom, and support students and families with counseling and navigational supports along the way.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on the Department of Education is divided. A Pew poll indicated that a significant percentage of Americans view the department negatively. The idea of abolishing the department is also deeply divisive, with strong opposition from Democrats and varying levels of support among Republicans.

Partisan Divide

There is a notable partisan divide on several education issues. While technical and career training options enjoy universal support, views on four-year higher education are divided along party lines. Voters are also sensitive to college costs and are skeptical about whether postsecondary degrees are worth the expense.

Future Outlook

The future of the Department of Education remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its role and structure. Depending on the political climate and the priorities of future administrations, the department could undergo significant changes.

Potential Scenarios

Abolition or Restructuring: The department could be abolished, with its responsibilities distributed to other agencies. Alternatively, it could be restructured to focus on specific areas, such as research or civil rights enforcement.
Increased Federal Role: An administration could seek to expand the federal role in education through new programs and initiatives, potentially increasing funding and regulations.
Continued Focus on School Choice: The department could continue to emphasize school choice, supporting voucher programs and other initiatives that promote alternatives to traditional public schools.

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