Lawmakers and Advocates Push Back on School Choice and Potential Education Department Overhaul
WASHINGTON — A wave of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, making their voices heard against President Donald Trump’s latest education policies. Flanked by educators, labor unions, and public school advocates, Sen. Chris Van Hollen didn’t mince words, calling Trump’s efforts a “direct attack” on the country’s public education system.
His criticism didn’t stop there. The Maryland Democrat also took aim at Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Education Department—Linda McMahon, the former head of the Small Business Administration and WWE executive. Her sparse education credentials, he argued, only add fuel to the fire.
Trump’s Education Agenda Moves Forward
The president’s education agenda is already in motion. Within weeks of taking office, Trump has signed multiple executive orders aimed at reshaping education policy in line with his campaign pledge to “save American education.” The key pillars of his plan include:
- Expanding school choice: Federal funding will prioritize school vouchers and charter schools over traditional public school systems.
- Restricting curriculum content: The administration wants to crack down on what it calls “radical indoctrination” in K-12 classrooms.
- Addressing antisemitism in schools: Additional federal measures will be introduced to combat antisemitic content in educational materials and classroom discussions.
The White House defended its approach, arguing that parents should have the primary say in their children’s education. “Parents, not the government, play a fundamental role in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children,” a fact sheet from the administration stated.
Education Department’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
One of Trump’s most drastic proposals—eliminating the U.S. Education Department altogether—is still looming. Though no formal action has been taken yet, reports suggest an executive order to dismantle the department could be on the horizon. If successful, this would shift responsibility for education funding and oversight back to individual states, a move that could drastically alter how schools operate nationwide.
For public education advocates, the possibility is alarming. “This is not about giving parents a choice; it’s about abandoning public education,” said one demonstrator. “If the department is dismantled, billions in funding for low-income students and children with disabilities will be in jeopardy.”
Public School Advocates Fight Back
Tuesday’s rally was organized by groups within the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, a coalition that fights for equitable public education. Many in attendance expressed concerns about how the administration’s policies would impact underfunded schools and vulnerable student populations.
Van Hollen, alongside Nevada Democratic Rep. Susie Lee, is pushing for legislation to secure mandatory federal funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These programs provide critical financial support to low-income school districts and students with disabilities.
A protester holding a sign that read “Education for All, Not Just the Wealthy” said the issue goes beyond politics. “Public schools are the backbone of this country. If we let Trump dismantle them, what happens to the millions of kids who depend on them?”
Linda McMahon’s Nomination Sparks Debate
Trump’s decision to nominate Linda McMahon as Education Secretary has drawn intense scrutiny. While she built her career in business and professional wrestling, her education background is limited. Critics have also pointed to past discrepancies in her credentials, noting that she once claimed to hold a bachelor’s degree in education—a degree she never actually earned.
“She has no experience in public education, no record of advocating for students, and no understanding of what it takes to run a federal agency of this magnitude,” Van Hollen said. “This nomination is another slap in the face to our teachers and students.”
The Senate confirmation process is expected to be contentious, with Democrats gearing up for a battle over her qualifications.
What’s Next?
With Trump’s policies already taking effect and more executive orders potentially on the way, the fight over education is far from over. Demonstrators left the rally vowing to continue pushing back against changes they believe could dismantle public education as they know it. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Congress as lawmakers prepare to take up McMahon’s nomination and Van Hollen’s funding legislation.
The stakes are high, and both sides are digging in. One thing is certain—this battle over education is only getting started.
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