By Mackenzie Prince
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, directing his administration to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move follows recent cutbacks across several federal departments in recent weeks, according to the New York Times.
In response, public schools and universities around the country, including the University of Maryland, are preparing for changes to the current education system.
As detailed on the White House’s website, the executive order aims to eliminate the Department of Education and return authority to state governments. It states that the current system has failed students and their families.
However, educational experts and institutions have expressed concerns about the shutdown.
According to the National Education Association, a labor union for public school teachers and faculty, if approved by Congress, this measure would affect federal funding, stunt research opportunities and pose a threat to DEI practices.
“Dismantling [the department] means defunding programs that feed, educate, and protect our most vulnerable and underserved students, and leaving many families fearful and anxious and communities reeling,” wrote Tim Walker, a senior writer for the NEA.
Walker highlighted specific programs that may be targeted, such as Title I. Established in 1965, Title I works to allocate funds toward low-income students and offers additional opportunities for those struggling academically.
Additionally, Walker explained how many expect the White House to move the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice, weakening DEI initiatives and failing to protect students against discrimination based on race, gender or disability.
If shut down, many students and schools will bear the financial impact. According to the Pew Research Center, the department’s grant spending totaled $150.3 billion in 2024. This money was allocated toward Pell Grants for university students, special education programs and a variety of “school improvement” measures.
At UMD, students, staff and faculty are aware of the possible impacts on research, funding and campus life.
President Darryll Pines addressed the UMD community in a campus-wide message on Feb. 13, assuring his monitoring of the federal laws and the university’s commitment to higher education.
“We are meeting on a regular basis with the deans and campus leadership to understand how these changes are affecting our campus community and to navigate our path forward,” Pines wrote.
The UMD Office of Marketing and Communications declined to provide further comment on the matter.
Despite reassurance from the university, students remain concerned about the possible ramifications on their education.
Grace Donnelly, a sophomore criminology major, is hoping to continue her education and attend law school. However, with the possible drawback on loans, her path is uncertain. Donnelly explained how the Trump Administration’s cutback on federal research may also have an impact on her future.
“This definitely concerns me since I heavily rely on scholarships and grants [through the department] to be able to continue to pursue a degree in higher education,” Donnelly said.
Donnelly explained how the Trump Administration’s cutback on federal research may also have an impact on her future.
“For myself, and for many of my peers, we have lost funding for research projects, as well as internship opportunities due to the dissolution of certain departments,” Donnelly said.
For aspiring teachers at UMD, many worry about the unpredictability of their profession.
Ryleigh Bernhardt, a freshman early childhood special education major, expressed her concerns about the shutdown.
“Not only am I worried for myself as a future teacher, but also worried for our students in the future and how safely they will be educated,” Bernhardt said. “Some of our most important programs and resources [may] fall and therefore, negatively affect students and their families.”
Bernhardt explained that while her instructors haven’t directly addressed the matter, some have encouraged students to join clubs and programs to advocate for the future of education.
Natalie Wheatley, a freshman elementary education major, agreed with Bernhardt, voicing her frustrations on the matter.
“The Department of Education is crucial for ensuring that all students have [equal] access to opportunities and adequate resources,” Wheatley said.
As UMD students and staff continue to face repercussions of the shutdown, many, like Wheatley, remain fearful of what’s to come under this presidency.
“Every student has the right to an equal education,” Wheatley said. “Without this being set in place, I fear for the endangerment of quality educational possibilities for all students.”
Featured Image: Students sitting on the mall in front of McKeldin Library. Photo by Karina Wong.