The potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education under the conservative policy blueprint called Project 2025 could have far-reaching consequences for Georgians, particularly those with school-age children and college students who rely on federal student loans. The Department of Education plays a crucial role in overseeing federal education policies, programs, and funding from K-12 to postsecondary institutions, administering federal financial aid programs, collecting data, and ensuring compliance with federal laws regarding civil rights and equal access to education.
If Project 2025 were to be implemented, it could lead to a cascade of potential consequences, from slashing critical dollars for under-resourced schools to jeopardizing financing options for higher education and disappearing standards for curricula and educational quality. State and local school departments would lose vital federal oversight, creating a void where the governing body once enforced and created laws that promoted the protection of student rights, administered federal funding for college, and streamlined educational practices.
One of the major impacts of the potential elimination of the Department of Education would be on public school funding in Atlanta. States like Georgia would lose critical funding for underfunded public school districts, particularly in urban areas where historic disparities in funding exist. Atlanta Public Schools, where over 70% of the student population are economically disadvantaged, could face catastrophic consequences without federal oversight and funding.
Title I-designated public schools, which receive additional federal funding to help close educational and resource gaps, would also be greatly affected. More than 50 of Atlanta Public Schools’ 83 learning sites were Title-I designated schools in 2022. The transfer of the Title I program to the Department of Health and Human Services, as proposed in Project 2025, could result in less regulation and oversight on how the funds are distributed, potentially diverting money away from vulnerable students in low-income districts.
In addition to the impact on public school funding, Project 2025 could also affect funding for higher education. The privatization of student loans and potential cuts to federal higher education grants like the Pell Grant could deprive students of vital support in earning degrees and repaying loans. Programs like the Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) and Income Driven Repayment programs could also be at risk, impacting borrowers struggling with loan repayment.
Overall, the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education under Project 2025 raises concerns about the future of education funding and support for vulnerable students and families in Georgia. Experts warn that without federal oversight and funding, there could be a significant impact on educational equity and access, particularly for Black students and other marginalized communities. It is crucial for stakeholders to be aware of the potential consequences and advocate for policies that prioritize educational equity and opportunity for all students.
