How Abolishing the Department of Education Hurts Impoverished Communities
FRESNO, CA— Donald Trump’s continued push to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, a promise made since 2023 and reinforced during his 2024 campaign, would devastate impoverished communities, particularly in the Central Valley of California. This region, which includes the towns of Huron, Mendota, San Joaquin, and Firebaugh, is often called the “Appalachia of the West.” These communities in Western Fresno County, which heavily rely on agriculture, are home to some of the poorest people in the nation, many of whom are Latino immigrants or descendants of farmworkers. Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education disregards these communities’ fundamental, systemic challenges and would only deepen their struggles.
Trump’s push to abolish the Department of Education is driven by a belief that it promotes a “radical woke agenda,” pushing policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), critical race theory, and transgender rights in schools. For Trump and his supporters, these policies represent an overreach by the federal government, undermining traditional values. However, this perspective ignores the pressing issue that these rural communities face: the lack of access to quality education. In the impoverished cities of western Fresno County, the primary concern is not ideological differences but the absence of resources, adequate funding, and postsecondary opportunities.
For families in Huron, Mendota, San Joaquin, and Firebaugh, the path to higher education is already challenging. These towns, often described as the “Appalachia of the West,” are in an economically depressed area with limited access to opportunities. The schools here are underfunded and under-resourced and often fail to meet the basic needs of students, who already face barriers such as language difficulties, high dropout rates, and economic instability. Eliminating the Department of Education would exacerbate these disparities, depriving students of essential federal support, including grants, loans, and protections against discrimination.
While Trump’s school choice agenda through vouchers and educational savings accounts appeals to some, it would do little to help the most vulnerable families. Vouchers may assist wealthier families who can afford private education, but these options are often out of reach for families in the Central Valley. Many of these families live in rural areas far from private schools, and even if schools are nearby, the additional costs are unaffordable. Furthermore, without the backing of the Department of Education, families would face even more significant challenges in ensuring their children’s rights are protected and educational opportunities are accessible.
The Department of Education is responsible for distributing resources and ensuring that students from low-income and marginalized communities can access educational opportunities. The Department’s mission includes protecting the rights of students with disabilities, English language learners, and low-income students, groups that are disproportionately represented in rural communities like those in the Central Valley. Without federal oversight and support, these vulnerable populations would be at the mercy of state and local governments, many of which already lack the resources to support them properly.
Trump’s privileged background may influence his lack of understanding of poverty-stricken, undereducated communities. Still, there is no excuse for elected leaders like Adam Gray, Jim Costa, and David Valadao’s failure to stand up for their constituents. These leaders represent some of the country’s poorest and least educated congressional districts in California’s Central Valley. Yet, they remain silent in the face of Trump’s harmful proposals. Their inaction is a betrayal of the people who sent them to Washington to fight for their rights, education, and a better future.
For generations, the residents of the Central Valley have faced economic abandonment, social neglect, and a profoundly unequal educational system. Many of these communities were built on the labor of Latino immigrants, yet they remain locked in cycles of poverty with limited resources to escape. The wealth generated by the agricultural industry has not trickled down to the workers who make it possible. Instead, the region’s Latino residents are segregated from the opportunities available to more affluent, predominantly white communities. The resulting educational gaps and limited opportunities contribute to the cycle of poverty that many of these families still face.
Having spent over 35 years as an educator in these communities, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of students and families striving for a better future. Some of us are working to bridge the educational gap by offering dual enrollment programs for high school students, providing English and citizenship classes, and helping high school graduates return to school. These efforts are crucial in creating pathways to success, but they are at risk if Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education is realized. The Department’s programs, such as federal student loans and work-study opportunities, are lifelines for many students in the Central Valley. Without these, they would be left without critical support.
Trump’s proposal to abolish the Department of Education is not just a political maneuver; it’s a direct attack on the educational opportunities of our most vulnerable communities. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and without a strong, accessible public education system, these communities will continue to fall further behind. The idea of a government that serves all citizens should include ensuring access to high-quality education for every child, not just those who can afford private schooling.
As educational leaders, we must fight for our children’s future and the dignity of families in underserved communities. Our elected officials must rise to the occasion and demand that education remains a priority for all Americans. We must maintain strong leadership standards and ensure every child can succeed.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s push to abolish the Department of Education would leave our communities more vulnerable than ever. Our leaders must stand up, speak out, and fight for our children’s futures. If they do not, the consequences will be felt for generations. Our youth’s education and our communities’ future depend on it.
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