In addition to a slew of debatable exexutive orders since he took the office for the second time, US President Donald Trump this time signed an order Thursday that aimed at "eliminating" the Department of Education.
The drastic overhaul was in line with Trump's electoral campaign promise that aimed to direct the states to run schools free from the federal government.
What Did Trump Say?
While signing the order, Trump said the order would "begin eliminating the federal Department of Education once and for all. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good. We're going to return education back to the states where it belongs."
Trump stated that the move was necessary to improve educational standards in the United States, claiming they are lagging behind those in Europe and China.
Trump's order directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to "take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States."
Even though the Education Department, which was created in 1979, cannot be closed without the approval of Congress, Trump's order is still likely to have enough power to starve it of funds and staff.
Criticism Of The Move
However, the Democrats and educators have firmly criticised the move. According to a report by NDTV, the top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, termed the move a "tyrannical power grab" and "one of the most destructive and devastating steps Donald Trump has ever taken."
Advocates for public schools said eliminating the department would leave children behind in an American education system that is fundamentally unequal.
“This isn't fixing education," the National Parents Union said in a statement. “It's making sure millions of children never get a fair shot. And we're not about to let that happen without a fight.”
Trump's order is “dangerous and illegal” and will disproportionately hurt low-income students, students of colour and those with disabilities, said Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
