Our Future Needs the Department of Education: The Department of Education as Civil Rights Agency

Nicole Byrne

 Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation
College: College of Liberal Arts
Major: Political Science
Faculty Research Mentor: Maxwell Burkey
 

Abstract:

This paper argues for the continued necessity of the Department of Education in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students in the United States. By examining the historical evolution of the Department, key legislation such as IDEA and ESSA, and philosophical insights from thinkers like John Dewey, Gloria Ladson-Billings, and Martha Nussbaum, the paper highlights the pivotal role federal oversight plays in protecting marginalized communities. Using Indiana’s House Bill 1136 as a case study, the analysis demonstrates how state-level initiatives can jeopardize public education by shifting governance to privatized models. The paper also addresses counterarguments regarding federal overreach and bureaucracy, asserting that federal standards provide essential accountability and prevent educational disparities across states. Ultimately, the Department of Education safeguards democratic participation, social mobility, and economic growth. The paper concludes with a call to action, urging civic engagement to protect the progress made toward educational equity.