The potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education is generating widespread concern among educators, parents, and students across the country. Legal experts warn that borrowers will still be responsible for their student loans even if the department is dismantled. Numerous stakeholders, including local educators and parents, are lobbying against any cuts, highlighting fears that the elimination of federal funding could severely impact education programs, particularly in areas like special education. As discussions heat up around the proposed closure and its implications on federal aid, experts and politicians are questioning the necessity of the department while many point to its critical role in overseeing educational standards and financial aid accessibility. States like Michigan, Louisiana, and North Carolina are evaluating the potential consequences on their local school systems, while national figures weigh in on what such cuts would mean for millions of students and a staggering $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loans. The debate is further complicated by varying opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of the Department of Education, illustrating the profound stakes involved for the future of public education in the U.S.