Unified Strength Brings Hope for Future of Public School

By: Utah Education Association

Published: November 22, 2024

The Utah Education Association (UEA) is committed to ensuring that every child—no matter their background—has access to a bright future through strong, fully funded neighborhood public schools. Anti-public education politicians’ proposal to eliminate the Department of Education and divert public resources into private school vouchers threatens this vision. However, we remain hopeful because parents, educators, and communities nationwide are standing together to reject these harmful ideas.

“Most Americans agree that every student deserves the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, and this shared belief is our greatest strength,” said UEA President Renée Pinkney.

Even in the face of these extreme proposals, there is reason for optimism. Earlier this year, Congress—including 60 House Republicans—rejected efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, showing that bipartisan recognition of the importance of public education exists even on a national level. States like Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska have also resoundingly defeated voucher proposals, proving that communities value strong public schools and will fight to protect them.

These victories give us hope that together, we can continue to push back against attempts to undermine our education system. The UEA continues pursuing litigation against the State of Utah to remove the unconstitutional voucher program created by anti-public education politicians in 2023.

By working together, organizing, and advocating, we will strengthen our public schools and ensure a brighter, more equitable future for all students. The fight for public education is far from over, but with so many standing on the side of students, hope remains strong. Now, more than ever, it is time for solidarity. Stand with the UEA and other pro-public education allies.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ on the U.S. Department of Education.

What Is the Department of Education and What Does It Do?

The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1979, aims to promote student achievement and ensure all Americans have access to quality education. It manages a range of federal education programs, including:

Title I: Supporting low-income students.
Title II: Improving teacher quality.
Title III: Assisting English language learners.
Title IV: Enhancing student support.
Title VI: Focusing on Native American education.
Title IX: Prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools.

The department’s mission is “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” It strives to close educational gaps and uphold the rights of marginalized groups, including students with disabilities, racial minorities, and those from low-income families. Through the Office for Civil Rights, the department enforces civil rights laws in schools to ensure equity and inclusivity.

Over the years, the Department of Education has played a vital role in safeguarding equal educational opportunities and advancing civil rights, contributing significantly to fairness and excellence in the U.S. education system.

Is It Possible to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education?

While eliminating or significantly reducing the U.S. Department of Education has been suggested, doing so would face considerable legal, political, and practical obstacles. Fully dismantling the department would require broad, bipartisan political support.

Legal Challenges: The Department of Education was established by the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979. Its closure or restructuring cannot be achieved through an executive order alone; it would require congressional approval and the repeal or amendment of federal law.
Political Feasibility: Eliminating a major federal agency would be highly controversial. It could face strong opposition from Democrats and even some Republicans who support federal funding for education.
Funding Implications: The department administers substantial federal funding for K-12 schools, higher education, special education, and programs like Pell Grants. Disbanding the department would necessitate reallocating oversight and funding to other federal or state entities—a complex and politically fraught process.

What Changes Could Be Made to the U.S. Department of Education?

While the Department of Education may not be eliminated entirely, significant changes could be made to its operations and priorities:

Decreased Funding for Public Schools: Some proposals may advocate for cuts to federal education funding, particularly programs like Title I or special education services.
Expansion of School Choice: Anti-public education politicians strongly support alternatives like charter schools, private school vouchers, and education savings accounts (ESAs).
Rollback of Federal Regulations: Efforts may include rolling back civil rights protections and weakening accountability standards under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

What Is UEA Doing to Preserve Public Education in Utah?

The Utah Education Association (UEA) is actively working to safeguard public education through legal action, advocacy, and legislative initiatives:

Challenging Private Religious School Vouchers: UEA has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Utah Fits All scholarship program, which diverts $80 million in public funds to unaccountable private religious schools.
Voiding Amendment A: UEA successfully led opposition against Amendment A, preserving critical funding for education.
2025 Legislative Priorities: UEA’s legislative focus includes increased financial support, expanded paid professional hours, and enhanced school safety initiatives.

What Can UEA Members Do?

Leverage Relationships: Contact elected officials at the state and federal levels to advocate for public education.
Get Involved Through UEA: Work with local leaders to respond to proposals affecting public education.
Invite Others to Join: Encourage colleagues to join UEA and strengthen the fight for public education.
Participate in UEA’s Under the Dome Program: Attend an Educator Day on the Hill to share your story with lawmakers.
Support UEA’s Political Action Committee (PAC): Contribute to UEA-PAC to help elect pro-public education candidates.