Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

March 20, 2025

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose & Policy: Empower parents, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes; criticizes the federal control and oversized bureaucracy in American education.
Federal Spending & Inefficiencies: Highlights the excessive spending of approximately $200 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic and over $60 billion annually, along with costly public relations operations within the Department of Education.
Educational Performance Concerns: Notes that national assessment scores in reading and math are near historical lows, with 70% of 8th graders below proficient in reading and 72% below proficient in math.
Structural Reform: Orders the closure of the Department of Education and the return of education authority to the states and local communities to improve program implementation and address the vast student loan debt portfolio.
Compliance & Program Integrity: Mandates that remaining federal funds and programs adhere to federal law and Administration policy, including the termination of programs that promote illegal discrimination or gender ideology under labels such as “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not affect the authority of other executive departments or violate established administrative functions, and is subject to legal and appropriation constraints.

Risks & Considerations

The proposed closure of the Department of Education and the return of authority to states could lead to significant variability in educational standards and resources across different regions. This decentralization may affect the consistency and quality of education nationwide.
Vanderbilt University may face challenges in aligning its educational programs and partnerships with varying state standards and policies, potentially complicating student admissions and curriculum development.
The emphasis on terminating programs labeled under “diversity, equity, and inclusion” could impact Vanderbilt’s initiatives and commitments in these areas, potentially affecting campus culture and student support services.
The transition of federal student aid management from the Department of Education to another entity could disrupt financial aid processes, affecting students’ ability to secure funding for their education.

Impacted Programs

Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adapt its research and teaching strategies to address the changes in educational governance and policy at the state level.
The Office of Financial Aid could experience operational challenges due to changes in the management of federal student aid, necessitating adjustments in financial aid counseling and support services.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Vanderbilt might require reevaluation to ensure compliance with new federal guidelines while maintaining the university’s commitment to an inclusive campus environment.
Vanderbilt’s collaborations with public schools for teacher training and educational research may need to be renegotiated to align with state-specific educational policies.

Financial Impact

The redistribution of federal education funds to states could alter the financial landscape for educational institutions, potentially affecting funding opportunities for research and development at Vanderbilt.
Changes in the management of federal student aid could impact Vanderbilt’s financial aid strategies, possibly affecting student enrollment and retention rates.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to support its educational and research initiatives in light of potential shifts in federal funding priorities.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor developments regarding the potential closure of the Department of Education. This will be crucial in understanding how the transition of authority to states might impact federal funding and compliance requirements for the university.
The Financial Aid Office should prepare for potential changes in the management of federal student aid programs. By evaluating alternative strategies for student loan management, Vanderbilt can ensure continued support for its students amidst changes in federal oversight.
Vanderbilt’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office should assess the implications of the executive order’s stance on DEI programs. This includes reviewing current DEI initiatives to ensure compliance with federal guidelines while maintaining the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The Department of Education Policy should engage in research and advocacy to influence state-level education policies. By leveraging its expertise, Vanderbilt can contribute to shaping educational reforms that align with its values and mission.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to expand its research on state-led education initiatives. By studying the impacts of decentralized education systems, Peabody can provide valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the shift of educational authority to states by developing partnerships with state education departments. This could include collaborative research projects, policy development, and educational program implementation, enhancing Vanderbilt’s influence in state education systems.
The focus on eliminating illegal discrimination under the guise of DEI offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Legal and Compliance Office to review and strengthen its policies. By ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, Vanderbilt can maintain its reputation as a leader in equitable education practices.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to the closure of the Department of Education and shifts in federal oversight.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: No specific deadlines or timelines were provided in the order; implementation is to be pursued as permitted by law and subject to appropriations.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Education: The order directs the closure of the Department of Education and mandates that its functions and responsibilities be transferred to state and local authorities, fundamentally restructuring federal oversight of education.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Although not directly restructured, the order specifically states that nothing shall impair the OMB’s budgetary, administrative, or legislative functions, thereby affirming its continued role.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 federal agencies are directly impacted by the action.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Education – Tasked with taking all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.

Relevance Score: 5 (The directive impacts a Cabinet-level official responsible for major federal education policy shifts.)