Education Secretary's Warning: Trump's Plan Could Derail Equal Opportunities

Miguel Cardona, the outgoing U. S. Education Secretary, is raising alarms about former President Donald Trump's plan to abolish the Education Department. Cardona, who started as a fourth-grade teacher and became the first Latino education commissioner in Connecticut, believes this move could harm students' rights and opportunities. He argues that without federal oversight, education systems could vary greatly between states, leading to unequal chances for success. Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department, but her appointment needs Senate approval. Cardona warns that eliminating the department would be a step backwards, especially for the 65 million students who rely on it for civil rights protection. The Education Department plays a crucial role in enforcing civil rights laws in schools and providing guidance on issues like mental health and school violence. It also manages federal grants and funding for high-poverty schools and students with disabilities. Cardona is proud of his work during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as reopening schools and providing mental health support. He also highlights increasing Pell Grants and forgiving over $176 billion in student loans as significant achievements. However, Cardona worries about the future of these programs under Trump's plan. He believes they have helped many people go to college, buy homes, and move forward with their lives. He draws a parallel with the bailouts given to the airline industry and banks, arguing that debt relief for public servants is similar. Cardona also expresses concern about the Supreme Court's decision to ban race-based affirmative action in college admissions. He believes this could make the U. S. less competitive by limiting access to higher education for students of color. Looking ahead, Cardona sees a challenging time for education in the U. S. He reminds people of the late Rep. John Lewis's fight for civil rights and encourages everyone to come together and fight for equal opportunities in education.