What Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education Could Mean for Durham’s Students
Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).
Since the beginning, this federal administration has made its intentions clear. And while it would take congressional approval to officially dismantle the DOE, signing this executive order only reinforces its stance: The federal government wants to shift responsibility for public education to the states.
Let’s look at how Durham relies on vital federal support and protections for our public school students and why we cannot rely on our state to foster a public education system that is fair and equitable for all students.
Funding for Key Programs May Be at Risk
Federal dollars help Durham fill gaps that North Carolina has historically failed to address. Without steady access to them, students who already face the greatest barriers could be at risk of losing critical resources, including:
Support for Title I Schools – The federal government awards Title I funds to schools with higher populations of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Thirty-four DPS schools use Title I funds for additional teachers, small-group learning, and after-school programs. These funds also support innovative programs–like Community Schools–for Title I schools.
Special Education Services – Over 4,500 DPS students with disabilities rely on federal funding for specialized instruction, therapists, and support staff. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides funding and protections for these services.
Support for English Language Learners – Over 4,000 DPS students rely on Title III funding for bilingual instruction and teacher training. Without this funding, their education and future opportunities could suffer.
Even though DOE administrators claim that funding for “those who depend on them” won’t be impacted, we don’t know their full plans should the DOE be dismantled. But we do know that our DPS students need these vital funds.
Students’ Rights Are Vulnerable
In addition to funding, the DOE provides several protections for local students. Protections including:
McKinney-Vento Act – This act ensures students experiencing housing insecurity can enroll and stay enrolled in school.
ADA & IDEA – These programs guarantee special education services and prevent discrimination against students with disabilities.
Title IX – This law protects students from gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Reducing or ending any of these protections would mean losing the federal safeguards needed to make education equitable for all.
NC Has Historically Failed Public Education
Under the executive order, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has been instructed to “return education authority to the States, while continuing to ensure the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”
Can we trust North Carolina’s General Assembly to step up for public education? If history and more recent actions prove anything, the answer is no.
To summarize, North Carolina:
Ranks 48th in per-pupil spending, providing just $11,777 per student, well below the national average.
Violated its constitutional duty to fund public education, as confirmed by the Leandro ruling—yet lawmakers refuse to act.
Diverted $463.5 million to private school vouchers in 2024, pulling resources away from public schools.
Our state politicians are already failing to stop federal actions from impacting our local schools. More recently, a bill has passed the North Carolina Senate to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in our state’s public schools (stay tuned for our next newsletter for more on SB 227).
These actions alone further prove we cannot rely on NC to provide an equitable education to our students—not without us demanding that they do.
Take Action: Fight for Our Public Schools at Every Level
Rather than waiting, we must fight to protect federal protections and demand North Carolina step up. Here’s what you can do:
Oppose the dismantling of the DOE – Contact U.S Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis. Contact the U.S. House representative for your district. Demand they fight this executive order.
Advocate for federal education funding – Push for continued funding of the several protections and programs our students depend on.
Hold our state leaders accountable – Contact your state representatives. Express your concerns about the executive order and demand they devise a clear plan for how North Carolina would fund and protect public schools should the DOE close.
Final Thoughts
Our students in Durham and throughout the state deserve more, not less. Now is the time to stand up, speak out, and ensure every child has access to the education they need to thrive.
We will continue to advocate for and support our local public school students, educators and staff, families, and community.
We thank you for continuing to stand up and stand by us and your Durham public schools.