This Mises Institute article argues for the abolishment of the Department of Education (DOE). It contends that the DOE’s four primary activities—managing financial aid, identifying educational issues, collecting data, and enforcing anti-discrimination laws—are ineffective and wasteful, leading to increased costs, standardization, and federal overreach. The authors propose that eliminating the DOE would allow market-based reforms to flourish and empower parents and local educators. They cite examples of the DOE’s detrimental impact on both K-12 and higher education, particularly concerning the rising cost of college due to federal loan programs. The article advocates for returning control of education to local communities.
