One of President Trump’s many grand promises for his second term was to abolish the Education Department, and one he most certainly plans to keep. On March 20th, Trump instructed Education Secretary McMahon to begin shutting down her department, setting the stage for a political and legal battle. Despite the fact that only Congress has the authority to close the agency, Trump has announced he plans to “shut it down, and shut it down as quickly as possible.”

As it now stands, the Department of Education’s mission is to “promote student achievement” by “fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access”. Among other actions, this department handles federal aid, helps with college loans, gives student grants, and facilitates a nationwide standard of education.

Some may think that the Department of Education is useless and unnecessary, especially in comparison to the State or Defense Departments. However, it is equally vital, despite not directly dealing with diplomacy or national security. By fostering education, this department is essential to the evolution of society.

Education enriches the mind and the soul. While school can be boring and stressful, it also enlightens people, and makes us more mature.  History fosters  empathy, it makes you care for people who are nothing like you by telling their cultural story. Math makes you a thinker, it causes your logic to expand more and more, and you get better as you keep doing it. Science makes you take risks, whether you are flying into space, creating new medications, or discovering the origins of life itself. English, and all other languages, balances reality and fantasy, reading and writing, listening and speaking.

Additionally, education gives opportunities. Throughout high school and college, the classes you take help you find your interests, and explore careers. Having a college degree increases job opportunities, leading to financial stability and opportunities to give back to society as a citizen.