The Dismantling of the DOE: What It Means for American Education and Our Children’s Future

Is the DOE Being Dismantled? Here's What You Need to Know

In recent years, whispers of dismantling the Department of Education (DOE) have transformed into campaign promises, political agendas, and proposed legislation. While the concept may seem radical, it’s not new—and for educators, parents, and advocates, it raises urgent concerns about equity, access, and accountability in education.

At Lissarette.com, we believe in informed, courageous leadership. So let’s unpack what this potential dismantling means—and why we must act with clarity and conviction.

A Quick History: Why the DOE Exists

Established in 1979, the U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to education, enforce federal education laws, and distribute funding to schools, especially in marginalized communities. The DOE is not about controlling schools—it's about protecting rights and ensuring opportunity.

What Does "Dismantling the DOE" Really Mean?

When politicians or public figures talk about dismantling the DOE, they often frame it as returning power to states and parents. While local autonomy sounds empowering, here’s what’s often left out of the conversation:

Loss of Federal Protections: The DOE enforces Title IX, IDEA, and civil rights laws that ensure children with disabilities, children of color, and LGBTQ+ students are protected in school settings.
Uneven Funding: Without federal oversight, educational resources will be dictated by local tax revenue, worsening the gap between wealthy and underfunded districts.
Data Disintegration: The DOE collects vital data on academic outcomes, helping shape evidence-based policies. Dismantling it means flying blind.

Who Gets Hurt the Most?

If you guessed children, you’re right. But not all children equally.

Neurodiverse learners may lose access to specialized supports.
Low-income families could see already-struggling schools lose even more.
Parents will have fewer avenues to report and resolve injustices.
Educators will be left to navigate inconsistent policies and shrinking resources.

As someone who has worked across early childhood education, neurodiversity advocacy, and system-level leadership, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when federal support disappears: families are left to fend for themselves.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Now

Calls to dismantle the DOE aren’t happening in isolation. They are part of a broader attempt to privatize education, defund public systems, and eliminate accountability.

These efforts disproportionately hurt:

Students of color
English Language Learners
Students with disabilities
Families living in poverty

Education should never be a privilege—it is a right.

What We Can Do

Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or advocate, we need your voice. Here’s how you can take action:

Stay Informed: Follow legislation related to education funding and DOE reform.
Vote Intentionally: Research candidates’ positions on public education.
Speak Up: Attend school board meetings. Contact your representatives. Share your story.
Support Local and National Advocacy Groups: Organizations that defend education equity need us now more than ever.

Final Thoughts from me.

As a mother, educator, and policy leader, I know the heartache of watching a child fall through the cracks of a broken system. I also know the power of community, advocacy, and courageous leadership. Dismantling the DOE won’t fix our schools—it will abandon them.

Let’s choose a better path. One rooted in justice, empathy, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential.

If you’re ready to stand up for our children and the future of public education, join the conversation at Lissarette.com.