Donald J. Trump has been working to permanently shut down the Department of Education. On Thursday, March 20th, the department’s staff was placed on administrative leave. Prior to this, the Department of Education employed 4,133 workers, but only 2,183 remain. These employees will continue to receive full pay, benefits, severance, and retirement benefits based on their tenure until June 9th. Trump’s plan is to return education funding and decision-making to families. However, a key question remains: How will the staff be compensated, and shouldn’t they be the ones making education decisions, as that is part of their job?

On March 21st, Trump announced that special needs programs, student loans, and nutrition programs would be shifted to other departments. I believe the Department of Education should continue overseeing these areas. If they are to be managed by other departments, those departments should be properly trained to handle these responsibilities. The Department of Education currently oversees $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, school funding, school meal programs, support for homeless students, and civil rights enforcement.

Another concern with the shutdown of the Department of Education is the potential loss of free school meals. If Trump’s plan proceeds, students would no longer receive free lunches and would be required to pay for them. This is problematic, as many families are struggling financially. For these families, the option of a free lunch at school is a crucial support. While students can bring lunch from home, low-income families may find it even more difficult to afford groceries to prepare meals for their children.

Glendale, Arizona, elementary school district president and School Nutrition Association member stated, “I am proud we’re able to serve as many meals as we can. I just don’t want children to have to go without food. That’s my No. 1 concern. Some of these meals are the only meals they get.” According to Education Week, congressional budget cuts threaten free school meals for millions of children. This statement highlights the real danger that many children could go hungry if school meals are no longer provided for free.

In my opinion, Trump should leave the Department of Education alone. The department is doing important work to help schools and students across the country. Shutting it down would have far-reaching consequences and could drastically impact the future of education.