Trump’s Plan to Abolish Education Department Raises Concerns at Saint Mary’s

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Campus Community Expresses Concern Over Potential Impact on Federal Student Support and Educational Equity

By Anna Emperador & Ashton Hardaway
Guest Writers

What would happen if the Department of Education vanished overnight? For students at Saint Mary’s College of California, they'd be in a frenzy. Without federal oversight, financial aid could disappear, student debt would skyrocket, and access to higher education could become a privilege and not a right.

The Trump administration's suggestion to abolish the US Department of Education has created concern among students and faculty members at Saint Mary's College of California. Federal financial aid programs like FAFSA would be lost, since without federal regulations access to higher education could become even more difficult for low-income or first-generation students.


If the Department of Education is eliminated, the consequences for students at Saint Mary’s and across the country could be detrimental. Federal financial aid, protections for marginalized students, and funding for research and public education would be thrown into uncertainty. Experts warn that such a move could increase student debt, force many to drop out, and create bureaucratic chaos for colleges and universities. With legal and political battles, Saint Mary’s students and faculty are raising their voices about the potential impact of losing federal support for education.


Financial Aid in Jeopardy

If the Department of Education is to become abolished millions of students including those at Saint Mary's College could lose access to federal grants and loans thus forcing them to seek alternative funding. This university is known for being a Hispanic Serving Institution with more than 25 percent being of Hispanic descent, students here can be worrisome. Isa Bañuelos, a student at Saint Mary's shared her concerns, 

“If these changes become permanent I would have no choice but to move back home and work while attending school unfortunately. Without FAFSA I can't afford tuition, housing and other living expenses which would force me to take out more student loans which will leave me in debt." 

She also shared of her experience as being a first-generation Mexican American student,
"I think this is very scary and concerning because the Department of education plays a crucial role in allowing students like me to get financial aid. I think more students would have more chances of pursuing an education… without the federal support I think students like me would have higher dropout rates and fewer opportunities to continue their education.”


Legal Hurdles                                        
According to NBC News, the White House is preparing an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education. However, Time reports that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to do so unilaterally, as the department was established by Congress in 1979. Legal experts predict prolonged court battles and resistance from state governments.


Broader Education Implication
Beyond financial aid, the elimination of the Department of Education would have widespread consequences. The American Progress Project warned that cutting Title I funding, which supports low-income schools, could lead to teacher layoffs, larger cost sizes and fewer resources for students. Peter Alter, the professor of teacher education and current department chair at Saint Mary’s speaks with his expertise on the matter:

“I think it just turns into this kind of logistical nightmare where people are trying to navigate federal changing requirements, changing federal departments and really stuck without that money until they can navigate the bureaucracy, so it's really tough.” 

Beyond funding, dismantling the department could also hinder educational research and support for students with disabilities. “In both of these instances what I see is a real regressive policy. Educational research doesn't go forward, practice for students with disabilities, arguably the most vulnerable population, are suddenly more at risk than they have ever been.”  


What's happening?                                            
The Washington Post reports that Trump’s proposed executive order has sparked backlash from congressional leaders and education advocacy groups. While some conservatives support reducing federal involvement in education, others worry about the logistical challenges of transferring responsibilities to state governments.
As Trump pushes to dismantle the Department of Education, students and teachers at Saint Mary's College are left wondering what's next for them. Federal financial aid loss may make higher education unaffordable for many, increasing students' debt and compounding education inequities. Whether or not this proposal makes it through, the debate for and against federal regulation of education remains an issue for students nationwide.