The education of a nation’s citizenry, whether public or private, is the heartbeat of any sustaining and civilized culture. There is much evidence and historical data to support this assertion throughout generations of the American people. I don’t say that to judge the quality of education that one receives, but merely emphasize the importance of its accessibility and equality for all.

Since the establishment of the United States Department of Education in 1979, pursuant to the passage of the Department of Education Organization Act, the department has led the charge for accessibility, equality and modern-day innovations. Without the U.S. Department of Education, education for all becomes a ship without a rudder. The profound words of Cicero justify this: “There is nothing more painful than the insult to human dignity, nothing more humiliating than servitude. Human dignity and freedom are our birthright. Let us then defend them or die with dignity.” I believe this is the heart and soul of education in America.

The rhetorical statements of “cleaning the swamp,” referring to the U.S. Department of Education, are shameful and malign human dignities and freedoms. When we demean education, we are shaming all professions. Where would we be if there were no educators at the hub, steering the ship of teaching and learning for all now and in the future? It must be acknowledged and accepted that educators are the experts in their profession and not second-rate.

The U.S. Department of Education is vital to state and local education. Ensuring adherence of education policies and regulations mandated by Congress is absolutely essential.

Education laws, promulgated by Congress to ensure that every child in America has access, equality and opportunity for educational programs and services, must have a structure for oversight and enforcement. The role and leadership of the U.S. Department of Education provide it.

State and local education agencies depend upon federal funds earmarked through the U.S. Department of Education. Such funded programs include Title I for low-income students, IDEA support for students with developmental disabilities, post-secondary funding allocations such as student loans, vocational and technical education, science and math initiatives, prison education, pre-K through post-secondary adult education, early childhood education, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and international education. If such funding for these programs continues under some other venue, without a proper structure for management to ensure equitable distribution and implementation of funding and guidelines, malfeasance and non-compliance are inevitable. Should these funds cease, state and local education entities will face a dramatic burden and hardship. As a retired educator, I have experienced changes in laws, programs and services for the good of educating all of America’s children, youth and adults. I have not experienced this slash and burn of the existence of what’s good and just without planning, utilizing supporting data, or engaging qualified and knowledgeable educators to hear testimonies for restructuring, if necessary. My prayer and hope is that the U.S. Department of Education will remain a viable and essential federal agency of this country, providing the leadership for access and equal opportunity of education for all citizens, most importantly, the children of America.

Patricia A. Daniel is a retired principal and state education official who lives in Ellicott City.