Republicans are attacking public schools. Trump is no exception

We must recognize the danger of allowing education to become the victim of political discourse. And we must continue to fight for equal access to education, not to weaponize it.

Former President Donald Trump is using public education as a weapon in his White House campaign and continued war on terrorism. DEI programs and even threatens Close the Ministry of National Education.

He is not alone.

The Republican Party has consistently attacked public schools and teachers unions while promoting vouchers and other initiatives that drain resources from classrooms. idea Closing of the Ministry of National Education It has been the rally cry of the GOP for decades.

I watched it recently Interview with Trump on “Fox & Friends” Meanwhile, he claimed, “We will take over the Ministry of National Education, we will close it down, and I will close it down too.”

Trump’s oath reflects a broader agenda. Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025It aims to reduce federal oversight of education and limit government spending on basic services.

Idea: Our military deserves the vote. Trump is trying to deny them their right to do so.

Republicans have long criticized the Department of Education

Ministry of Education was established in 1979 To help improve access to education and increase federal funding for schools during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

Republicans criticized its creation, claiming it was an overreach of the federal government’s role and an expansion of bureaucracy.

Although efforts to dismantle the department have failed, the idea of dismantling it keeps alive the small-government rhetoric the GOP used during election season.

Republicans argue that the federal presence in education stifles creativity, inflates spending and weakens local government.

Federal oversight helps ensure equity in education

But the federal government provides education financing This includes student loans, special education grants and Title I dollars for schools serving low-income students.

Closing the department could potentially eliminate billions of dollars in federal money that school districts rely on.

Idea: Low pay and high expectations. My life as a teacher has disappointed me. And I’m grateful.

Since its founding, the department has enforced civil rights laws in education, ensuring that students with disabilities, minorities, and other marginalized groups receive equal treatment and opportunities.

Eliminating this oversight would eliminate federal protections for these groups and lead to greater inequality among our nation’s public schools.

As Americans, we must be aware of the danger of allowing education to become the victim of political rhetoric. And we must continue to fight for equal access to education, not to weaponize it.

Marla Bautista is a military columnist for USA TODAY Opinion..