By Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD-CCSP, ADHD Coach and Teacher Trainer
President-Elect Donald Trump has renewed his proposal to close the Department of Education. While the Department may not be perfect, its role is critical—especially for students with special needs, those who rely on public schools for vital services, and those at risk of falling through the cracks. Dismantling it would have profound and far-reaching consequences, undermining the principles of equity, empathy, and opportunity that public education strives to uphold—rippling across communities and generations.
The Department of Education’s Role in Ensuring Equity
The Department of Education ensures federal protections like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that students with disabilities, including ADHD, autism, and other learning disorders, have access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Without this federal oversight, there is a significant risk that states could adopt inconsistent policies, leading to disparities in services and protections.
Education, like other fundamental rights, should be consistent across the nation. Every child, no matter where they live, deserves equitable access to educational opportunities and support. Federal leadership ensures that students in urban, rural, and suburban communities alike can receive the resources they need to thrive. By maintaining consistent standards, we can address disparities and foster a sense of unity, rather than leaving these critical decisions to the variability of state policies.
Public Schools: Building Empathy and Reducing Division
Public schools are more than just places of learning—they are vital spaces where children from diverse backgrounds come together. These environments foster understanding and empathy by exposing students to peers with different lived experiences.
When students learn about, from, and with those unlike themselves, they are less likely to view others as “different” or “less than.” Without this exposure, society risks becoming more divided, with mistrust and fear of the “other” taking root. A strong federal role in education ensures that public schools remain spaces where these vital interactions occur, nurturing empathy and the social cohesion that strengthens our democracy.
Addressing Behavior as a Symptom, Not a Problem
For students with special needs, especially those with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders, behavior often reflects underlying challenges rather than defiance. The Department of Education has supported positive behavioral interventions and other strategies that help schools address these issues effectively
During Trump’s first term, the rollback of federal guidance on school discipline disproportionately affected students with disabilities and students of color, leading to higher rates of suspension and expulsion. Harsh disciplinary measures often fail to address the root causes of behavior, increasing the likelihood that vulnerable students will disengage from school and enter the school-to-prison pipeline.
Instead of punitive measures, schools need tools and resources to recognize behavioral challenges as opportunities for growth and skill-building. The federal oversight provided by the Department of Education has been essential in promoting these approaches, ensuring that students with special needs are supported rather than punished.
The General Welfare Clause: A Mandate for Federal Involvement
The Constitution’s General Welfare Clause grants Congress the authority to act in the best interests of the nation as a whole. Education is a cornerstone of our society, shaping the future not just for individual students but for the communities they will serve.
Without federal oversight, the gaps between states will widen, leaving some children behind simply because of where they live. Federal programs like Title I for low-income schools and IDEA for special education exist precisely to bridge these gaps, ensuring that every child has a fair chance to succeed.
What’s at Stake?
Closing the Department of Education would shift responsibility entirely to the states, creating a patchwork of policies and resources that would fail to meet the needs of many students—especially those who require special education services. Without consistent federal standards, states might prioritize cost-cutting over equity, leaving students with disabilities, behavioral challenges, and learning differences without the support they need to thrive.
Additionally, dismantling the Department risks losing progress toward inclusive education and evidence-based practices. The absence of a unified, national commitment to equity would deepen divisions in society, both within schools and beyond.
A Call to Protect Public Education
The Department of Education serves as a critical safeguard, ensuring that all students—regardless of their zip code—have access to quality education and support. While there is room for improvement, dismantling the institution would be a step backward, endangering the progress made in educational equity and inclusion.
As parents, educators, and advocates, we must protect public education as a unifying force in our society. Strong public schools create opportunities not just for academic success but for understanding, connection, and shared growth.
By fostering empathy and ensuring equity, public education strengthens our nation as a whole. Let’s work together to support federal leadership in education and preserve the rights and opportunities every child deserves.
Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD-CCSP, is a mental health counselor, ADHD Certified Clinical Service Provider, and professional ADHD Parent Coach and Teacher Trainer. www.PTScoaching.com
Thank you and please what can the parents do to keep this from happening and keep adequate resources?
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Share your concerns with your State representatives. They don’t know what they don’t know – and they want to hear from their constituents.