The Department of Education plays a vital role in supporting some of Michigan’s most vulnerable students. 

That’s one reason education advocates are concerned that President Trump has vowed to shut down the Department of Education. 

It’s one of many federal agencies he’s targeting. Last week, Trump was reportedly gearing up to sign an executive order to end the department. While this hasn’t happened yet, newly appointed Education Secretary Linda McMahon confirmed to Fox News that the department’s fate hangs in the balance. 

But the Department of Education doesn’t play the kind of role that McMahon has described. K-12 education in America is already controlled at the state and local level. Some of the things it does include supporting low-income kids and ensuring students with disabilities don’t face discrimination. 

Ed Trust Midwest Director of Policy and Research Jen DeNeal joins The Metro to explain the important work of the Department of Education.

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