Background on Ohio GOP's Support for Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

Republican lawmakers in Ohio are set to introduce resolutions in both the state House and Senate, formally pledging their support for the Trump administration's initiative to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This move, spearheaded by state Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), aligns with a national push to return education authority to states and local communities. The resolutions argue that education is not a federal responsibility under the Constitution and that decades of federal involvement have led to stagnant academic outcomes despite rising spending and regulations.

While the pledge emphasizes K-12 issues, its implications ripple into higher education, where the ED plays a pivotal role in funding, oversight, and protections for colleges and universities across Ohio and the nation. Ohio's public institutions, such as Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of Cincinnati, depend heavily on federal programs administered by the ED.

Trump Administration's Executive Order and National Momentum

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order kickstarting the process to eliminate the ED, a promise from his campaign and second-term agenda. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine attended the signing event, signaling state-level alignment. Proponents, including the America First Policy Institute, describe the ED as a 'failed experiment' that imposes burdensome social policies on states via funding strings.

The Ohio resolutions mirror model language from this institute, proposing a state task force to plan the takeover of federal programs. This task force would identify statutory changes needed for administrative control and pinpoint federal mandates Ohio could decline, potentially reshaping how higher education funding flows in the Buckeye State.

The Critical Role of the U.S. Department of Education in Higher Education

The ED's Office of Postsecondary Education oversees key functions essential to colleges and universities. These include administering federal student aid, enforcing civil rights laws like Title IX (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs), and recognizing accrediting agencies that determine institutional eligibility for aid.

Annually, the ED disburses over $100 billion in student loans and more than $30 billion in Pell Grants (need-based grants for low-income undergraduates, named after Sen. Claiborne Pell) to over six million students nationwide. It also manages a $1.7 trillion loan portfolio, regulates contractors, and holds institutions accountable through audits, fines, and aid restrictions if compliance falters.

Federal Student Aid: A Lifeline for Ohio College Students

In Ohio, federal student aid constitutes about two-thirds of all financial assistance for postsecondary students. Approximately 97,000 Ohio college students rely on Pell Grants, which could face disruptions under proposed changes. At OSU, for instance, need-based grants supplement state aid, supporting low- and moderate-income undergraduates with up to $2,250 annually across campuses.

Dismantling the ED could transfer postsecondary functions to the Department of Labor, potentially delaying loan processing, forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications. Recent FAFSA completion rates in Ohio lag national averages at 31% for the class of 2026, and further complications could exacerbate access barriers.

Universities like Kent State and Bowling Green State University process federal loans for thousands; any transition chaos might lead to enrollment drops, as students weigh affordability risks. For context, nationally, 30% of college students depend on federal loans, with average Pell awards varying by demographics—$4,661 for White students and $4,790 for Black students.

Title IX Enforcement and Campus Civil Rights Protections

The ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigates discrimination complaints, issuing guidance that shapes campus policies on sexual harassment, gender equity in athletics, and disability accommodations. In fiscal 2024, OCR handled 22,687 complaints, predominantly sex-based and disability-related.

Shifting OCR to the Department of Justice could dilute enforcement, as education-specific expertise diminishes. Ohio institutions like OSU have prior Title IX agreements with the ED, establishing dedicated offices and response teams. Weakened protections might increase vulnerabilities, lower student retention, and invite lawsuits, straining university resources. For example, Lake Erie College maintains explicit Title IX policies tied to federal compliance.

Accreditation Oversight and Institutional Accountability

The ED collaborates in a 'triad' system with states and accreditors to approve programs eligible for federal aid. Recent Trump executive orders have scrutinized accreditors for approving 'low-quality' institutions, threatening this balance. Dismantling could disrupt recognition processes, affecting Ohio's 100+ degree-granting institutions.

Without ED oversight, states like Ohio might assume more, but varying standards could create inequities. The proposed state task force hints at declining certain mandates, potentially easing burdens but risking aid ineligibility.Ohio Capital Journal

Targeted Grants and Data Resources for Minority-Serving Institutions

The ED allocates $3.3 billion yearly for higher ed grants, including to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Federal Work-Study. Ohio's Central State University, an HBCU, benefits significantly.

It also curates data via the College Scorecard and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), aiding enrollment planning and policy. Disruptions could hinder research on outcomes like graduation rates and post-grad earnings at Ohio universities.

• Supports institutional operations for underrepresented students.
• Enables data-driven decisions for higher ed career planning.
• Funds work-study, boosting student employment.

Stakeholder Perspectives: From Faculty to Administrators

Higher ed leaders express uncertainty over staffing cuts and aid delays already impacting ED operations. Ohio faculty unions echo national concerns, warning of deepened inequities and chaos for students pursuing degrees. Conversely, GOP lawmakers like Rep. Thomas envision block grants—about 10% of Ohio's ed funding—freeing states from regulations, potentially benefiting efficient universities.

Student groups highlight risks to affordability; with Ohio's FAFSA rates trailing, transitions could deter applicants. Explore professor ratings and higher ed jobs amid policy shifts.

Ohio's Higher Education Landscape and Federal Reliance

Ohio's state budget provides modest increases for public universities—around 1% year-over-year—but federal contributions dwarf these for student aid. OSU receives over $530 million in state funds yearly, supplemented by federal grants. Senate Bill 1 (effective mid-2025) already reshapes public campuses by banning DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, compounding federal changes.

Potential Challenges, Transitions, and Future Outlook

Critics predict enrollment declines, higher dropouts, and service cuts if functions scatter across agencies. Proponents argue for innovation via state control. Ohio's task force could model block grants, but legal hurdles remain—Congress must act.

Long-term, higher ed might see streamlined regs but volatile funding. Institutions should diversify revenue, enhance state partnerships, and monitor career advice.

Photo by Dana Lewin on Unsplash

Actionable Steps for Higher Education Stakeholders

University administrators: Audit federal dependencies, lobby for smooth transitions. Faculty: Advocate via unions. Students: Complete FAFSA early, explore scholarships at AcademicJobs.com. Job seekers: Check faculty positions and admin roles resilient to changes.

Position yourself with resources like free resume templates. The path forward demands adaptability in this evolving landscape.