Several organizations in Nebraska are closely monitoring the potential effects of President Donald Trump’s executive order, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
Signed last week, the order would require congressional approval to officially eliminate the department. Despite this, state leaders are expressing concern about its future impact.
Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, expressed worry about how schools would be held accountable without federal oversight. He highlighted federal investigations in the past decade that helped improve services for students who are deaf and ensured equal sports facilities for both boys and girls.
“The biggest concern I have is that public education is supposed to be the great equalizer in this country, ensuring that every child has a fair chance at life,” Royers said. “That, to me, is what’s at risk here.”
Royers added that the teacher’s union has been in discussions with Nebraska’s congressional representatives to stress the importance of the Department of Education. He emphasized that the union wants to make sure lawmakers understand the role the department plays in protecting students and providing services that cannot be replicated at the state level.
The union recently had a productive conversation with U.S. Representative Mike Flood about the potential consequences of dismantling the department.
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) reassured schools with a letter after the executive order was signed, stating that it is continuing operations as usual and will await further guidance. NDE Commissioner Brian Maher wrote that the state would “not panic.”
In the letter, Maher emphasized that the state would continue its work until more information is available.
The U.S. Department of Education currently provides services for students with disabilities, which President Trump’s executive order proposes to shift to the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the law governing these services, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), specifies that the Secretary of Education must oversee the distribution of these funds.
While the funding is still in place, there are concerns about how the dismantling of the department may affect the delivery of these services.
A spokesperson for Disability Rights Nebraska issued a statement expressing concern over the possible impact on families of students with disabilities. The organization is monitoring the situation closely.
“We are uncertain about the full impact of this action, but we are particularly worried about potential delays or reduced funding and how it could affect staffing and support for students with disabilities,” the statement said. “It’s essential that children with disabilities are included in regular classrooms, interact with peers, and learn to navigate public life to succeed as adults in the community.”
As organizations in Nebraska continue to assess the situation, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. Department of Education remains a key issue for educators, parents, and advocates across the state.
