US President Donald Trump’s stance on education has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding his proposal to eliminate or drastically reduce the role of the Department of Education (DOE). And, as of March 12, 2025 the DOE announced they will be cutting 50% of their workforce. This position is rooted in his broader political philosophy, which prioritizes limiting federal government intervention and moving power to state and local authorities. However, this proposal also raises concerns beyond just political ideology, as education is closely tied to public health.
Access to quality education can impact health outcomes by influencing factors such as socioeconomic status, mental health, and long-term well-being. As such, the debate over dismantling the DOE is not only a matter of policy, but also one that may have far-reaching implications for public health of those of us within the Black community. Yes, shutting down the DOE can be considered a public health issue. However, its effects might not be immediately obvious.
Education and public health are deeply intertwined, and changes to the education system can have broad consequences for public health outcomes. After 70 years of the “Separate but not equal” segregation verdict, we may be revisiting and debating this topic soon–based on race and socioeconomics. Let’s take a look at why the Trump administration is attempting to shut down the DOE and how its potential dismantle may affect public health of those within our community the most.
Why Trump Wants to Close the Education Department
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in eliminating or significantly reducing the DOE for several reasons. Here are the main points behind his stance:
1. Promoting Local Control
Trump believes education decisions should be made at the state and local levels, not by the federal government, as they are better equipped to address students’ needs. Cutting the DOE would reduce federal control and give states more authority over their education systems.
2. Reducing Federal Spending
Trump has called for cuts in federal spending across various sectors, including education. The administration believes that eliminating the DOE would reduce the size and cost of the federal government, contributing to fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction.
3. Opposition to Federal Standards
Trump has been a vocal critic of federal education policies like the Common Core State Standards, arguing that they impose a one-size-fits-all approach to education. He believes these federal standards limit the flexibility of states to develop their own education systems and curricula that cater to their specific needs.
4. School Choice and Voucher Programs
A strong proponent of school choice, Trump has supported the use of school vouchers, allowing parents to use public funds for private schooling. He believes that eliminating the DOE would give parents and students more freedom to choose educational options outside the public school system, potentially fostering competition and improving education.
5. Ideological Beliefs About Government
Trump’s broader political philosophy includes reducing the scope of federal agencies. He advocates for shrinking the bureaucracy, arguing that too much government intervention in areas like education stifles innovation and limits the freedom of individuals.
Health Impact of Eliminating DOE
Shutting down the US DOE could disproportionately harm the health of Black Americans. Many programs and resources directly linked to health outcomes in Black communities could be lost. The DOE plays a critical role in shaping not only educational opportunities but also health education and services that impact vulnerable populations, including Black students. Here’s how its closure could specifically affect Black Americans’ health:
- Access to Health Education: The DOE funds programs that integrate crucial health education into schools, covering topics such as sexual health, mental health, nutrition, and physical activity. These programs are vital for Black students, who may face greater barriers to accessing healthcare and health information.
- Mental Health Services for Black Students: Black youth experience unique mental health challenges due to systemic racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. The DOE provides funding for mental health services that help address issues like anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. These services are essential for Black students who may already have limited access to mental health care in their communities.
- Inequitable Access to Health Resources: Many schools serving Black students in underserved or low-income neighborhoods depend on the DOE for funding to provide health-related services. These services include access to nurses, counselors, and health education resources that are critical in addressing the unique health challenges faced by Black communities.
- School Safety and Health: Black students are more likely to face violence, bullying, and other safety concerns in schools. The DOE supports initiatives to improve school safety, including programs that address violence, substance abuse, and unhealthy school environments.
- Public Health and Education Integration: The DOE plays a key role in integrating health initiatives into schools—such as promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and preventing substance abuse—which can help Black students make healthier choices. If the department were shut down, these efforts would be undermined, and Black students, who are often at higher risk for health issues such as obesity and hypertension.
- Lack of Individual Education Plans (IEP): A CDC report from 2020 found that among 8-year-old children, the prevalence of autism among Black children (29.3 per 1,000) compared to White children (24.3 per 1,000). Children with autism often rely on specialized education plans, such as IEPs developed and overseen by the Department of Education. The closure could lead to disruptions or delays in the provision of these services.
The closure of the DOE could create a ripple effect that harms Black Americans’ health by limiting access to education, health services, and support systems that are critical to addressing the unique challenges faced by our communities. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes, as it impacts economic mobility, health literacy, and access to quality healthcare. Without the support of the DOE, many Black students may face additional barriers to success, exacerbating existing disparities in both education and health. The lack of federal support in these areas will likely lead to a deepening of systemic inequities, ultimately undermining public health efforts in Black communities. Additionally, the closure may hinder long-term efforts to stop generational poverty and improve social determinants of health, worsening health outcomes for future generations.
To combat these challenges, EBH recommends that you must take action by advocating for federal policies that prioritize education and healthcare equity, supporting local grassroots organizations that address these issues, and voting to elect leaders committed to improving systemic disparities. Together, these efforts can help protect the progress that has been made and work toward a more equitable future.
For more reading:
- National Institute of Mental Health – Schools and Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schools-and-mental-health
- Education Commission of the States: https://www.ecs.org/
- National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/
- World Health Organization – Education and Health: https://www.who.int/health-topics/education
- Trump’s Budget Proposal – Office of Management and Budget
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ - Trump’s Education Policies – Education Week
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trump-and-education-policy/2016/12 - School Choice and Vouchers – U.S. Department of Education
https://www.ed.gov/school-choice - Trump’s Philosophy on Government – The Heritage Foundation
https://www.heritage.org/conservative-values - Opposition to the Elimination of the DOE – National Education Association
https://www.nea.org/
