U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon spoke at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego on Tuesday, defending her controversial decision to dismantle the Department of Education. In the face of criticism, she emphasized her commitment to national student testing and federal support for education research, despite significant cuts to the department’s workforce and budget.
Since taking office in early March, McMahon has overseen a drastic reduction in staff, cutting the department’s workforce in half. This includes the near elimination of the research unit and a significant downsizing of the civil rights division. Key functions like student loans and financial aid are being shifted to other agencies, raising concerns about the future of these crucial services.
During the summit, McMahon engaged in a dialogue with education entrepreneur Phyllis Lockett, addressing the impact of her policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in schools. McMahon stated that she believes DEI programs are a form of discrimination and has directed educational institutions to eliminate them. This stance has drawn criticism, especially given the persistent achievement gaps affecting Black and brown students.
Lockett challenged McMahon on the implications of her policies, questioning how schools would promote diversity in a fair manner. In response, McMahon reiterated her belief that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. She insisted that her approach would allow for more funding to reach states directly, although she did not specify how this would ensure proper use of the funds.
McMahon also expressed her support for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which measures student achievement across the country. She acknowledged the importance of maintaining national testing standards to provide a clear picture of educational progress.
As the Trump administration continues to push for significant changes in education policy, McMahon’s leadership has sparked a heated debate about the future of the Department of Education and its role in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.