Quick take: The further stratifying of America
On the executive order to eliminate the Dept of Education
By Jim LaJoie
Recently the president signed an executive order to eliminate the Department of Education. Ultimately the department is unlikely to be completely abolished - because of this pesky balance of power thing - but will undoubtedly be reduced in size and scope.
Let me preface what I am about to write by stating I am neither libertarian nor statist when it comes to how the American government should run, being somewhere smack in the center. I do believe government has a role in moderating the excesses of the powerful and supporting the most vulnerable and those in need. I also believe, however, that our government is bloated and, as a result, often inefficient, incapable of delivering the best bang for the buck. A leaner, more efficient government could deliver services more capably, and with greater impact to those in need, as well as reducing taxes for those who should be paying less (and to be clear: the group whose tax rates should be reduced does not include the upper 1%).
If a more strategic approach to reducing any bloat found in Education’s budget was taken I would support it. However, that would require a scalpel, not a machete, the approach that is currently being proposed.
I believe strongly that public education is a critical component of a true democracy, one based on the ability to rise above your station at birth. At its best, public education provides not only an academic education, but a social one as well.
I have been fortunate enough to have known two teachers well, both having worked in the public school system. One is my former mother-in-law, the other a close family friend. Both are, or were in one case, remarkable women, passionate about educating younger generations. They understood the importance of a good education, not just for those who could afford it, but for all young people. I am confident that the majority of teachers, including those who teach in a public school system, share that same passion. You don’t become a teacher for the money, at least in public schools. It is a mission, not merely an occupation.
"A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated." - Horace Mann
If the Department of Education were to be abolished, I fear it would only lead to further societal inequity, the increasing stratification of America into rigid classes, something that goes against the basic tenets of a democracy. Education is a critical component of upward mobility. Young people from families that can afford to, will go to private schools or highly regarded public schools, a result of living in an affluent community. Those who didn’t win the genetic lottery will be left going to poorly funded public schools. Race, as it unfortunately always is, will be a factor.
We will all soon see where the proposed abolishing of the Department of Education goes. My concern, however, is that no matter the ultimate outcome of the executive order, American public education will, again, suffer and that we as a people will be further divided.
About the author: Jim LaJoie resides in North Carolina.