The Future of Education
By Sriya Vemuri | Features | Feb. 27, 2025
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (SCPDA) — Books have long been a foundation of education, offering students insight into culture and history. Yet, across the United States, essential literature is being removed from classrooms and libraries because of its content, harming students' education and future.
In an era of vast changes, education in America stands at a place of uncertainty. With President Donald Trump’s recent inauguration, the modifications to the education system are vast and constantly changing. There are many predictions as to the direction it is taking. Due to the influx of book bans and President Trump’s new agenda, the future of education remains uncertain and worrisome.
At Stanton College Preparatory School, literature is a core component highlighted in English courses such as AP English Language and Composition. Banning books disrupts the learning environment and limits students' ability to engage with historical contexts, complex themes, and diverse perspectives.
According to ABC News, on Jan. 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced it had dismissed 11 complaints related to book bans. The complaints argued removing books, many of which discuss race, gender and identity, limits students' ability to read about diverse perspectives. However, by dismissing these complaints, the administration has conveyed restricting certain perspectives as acceptable, setting a precedent for future censorship in schools.
The push for restricting educational content is also tied to political agendas. In conservative-led states such as Florida and Texas, book bans have become part of a larger effort to shape what students learn about race, religion, culture, and identity. Lawmakers pushing for these bans argue these books promote inappropriate content, targeting works that discuss topics like racism and LGBTQ+ identities. These restrictions highlight the growing movement to control the narrative that students are exposed to.
In many cases, the novels being removed do not contain inappropriate material but rather challenge traditional narratives on society. “The Hate U Give” for example is one of the banned novels that explores racial prejudice and police brutality. By removing such literature, policymakers limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives on real world issues.
The book bans are a part of the larger wave of changes to the education system in America. President Trump’s campaign has announced a multitude of plans that would change students’ futures. According to his Agenda 47 campaign, he has proposed eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. It is difficult to say the possibilities of what this could do, but it will lead to negative outcomes. Nothing is known for certain, however, getting rid of the Department of Education may affect federal financial aid, a way many students are able to fund their education.
According to ABC News, for fiscal year 2025, the Department of Education has a $103 billion budget. Nearly 67% of the total goes to Federal Student Aid, assisting students with paying for college or career training. Many now wonder what the future will consist of, without the Department of Education’s support in funding students around the United States.
This uncertainty is further aggravated by recent budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency. According to the Associated Press, in a report published on Feb. 18, 2025, DOGE has cut $900 million in contracts for the Department of Education office, which raises fear regarding the future of educational research. The department also fired at least 39 employees including special education specialists and student aid officials. The loss of these key people could weaken support for students with disabilities and those relying on federal financial aid. The drastic cuts raise the question of how students will be supported in the years to come.
Beyond financial aid, the Department of Education has a vast impact, with many individuals relying on its support. According to the National Education Association, in 2022-23, schools with an influx of children in poverty receive crucial support from the Department of Education. Additionally, about 15% of students receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Dismantling the Department of Education would harm students around the nation, especially students with disabilities and those living in poverty.
Another key figure in the conversation about the future of education is Trump’s pick for the U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. During her confirmation hearing on Feb. 13, McMahon was questioned about the extent of Trump's executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools. According to the Associated Press, when she was asked whether African American history courses would be affected, she hesitated and failed to provide a clear answer. This lack of clarity raises concerns about how racial history will be addressed in classrooms under the new administration, fueling uncertainty about the direction of education policy.
The Trump administration's push against DEI programs also extends its scope to teacher training organizations. According to the Associated Press, on Feb. 17, the Department of Education cut $600 million in grants for organizations that train teachers. These include programs promoting "divisive" concepts. The move against DEI is part of the effort to abolish what the administration sees as educational content that is politically motivated. Cutting funding for teacher training is a step in the wrong direction, limiting opportunities for future educators.
Across Jacksonville, teachers and students are expressing concerns about the potential changes. The loss of federal funding could lead to larger classrooms, fewer resources, and less support for students. Without intervention, American education could shift dramatically, affecting future generations along the way.
As discussions around these changes intensify, educators and advocacy groups are pushing back. Protests and movements have emerged to fight against the book bans and new changes to educational policies. Many continue to worry about the lasting consequences that might be present as a result of all this damage and are fighting to keep changes from happening.
The extreme transformations taking place across the education system paint a concerning future, where students may lose educational opportunities. As more challenges emerge, the role of communities and schools in shaping the educational experience becomes vital. They can advocate for policies that restrict student's access to information, such as opposing book bans or restrictions on content. Schools can also foster a safe space for students to be able to express their concerns. Communities can also provide resources for students such as mental health support to help students navigate these disruptions. Schools and communities together can ensure that education remains a tool for growth.