In this episode of Passing Judgment, we examine recent developments within the Department of Education under the Trump administration. Jonaki Mehta, an NPR education reporter, joins Jessica Levinson to clarify the Department's functions and discuss recent substantial funding cuts and layoffs, particularly affecting low-income and disabled students' support. They explore the Trump administration's push against diversity initiatives and the role of federal oversight in education. The discussion provides an overview of these changes and their potential impact on schools, highlighting the ongoing tension between federal and state control in the educational landscape.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Role of the Department of Education: The conversation starts with clarifying what the Department of Education does and doesn't do. It doesn't determine educational content; that role is for states and local districts. The department is mainly involved in funding and providing guidance through grants and investigating civil rights violations.

Recent Department Cuts: There have been significant workforce cuts at the Department of Education, affecting key offices such as the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of the General Counsel. This reduction has hampered the department’s ability to perform its duties effectively.

Impact of Funding Cuts: The cuts have direct implications on the ground, with activities like investigations into discrimination cases being halted. There’s concern about the future allocation of funds, especially for the 2026-2027 school year, which could affect low-income and Title I schools significantly.

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