Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville has amplified calls to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, aligning with President Donald Trump’s vision for education reform.

Tuberville’s statement reignited debate over the role of federal involvement in education policy, as the senator and Trump push to decentralize control and send it back to the states, as AL.com reports.

Tuberville Advocates for DOE Shutdown

On Monday, Tuberville took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to advocate for shutting down the Department of Education (DOE).

Responding to a meme referencing former President Jimmy Carter, who established the department in 1979, Tuberville posted a succinct statement: “SHUT IT DOWN! #MAGA.”

The Alabama senator’s post echoes a longstanding promise from Trump, who recently won re-election as the 47th president. Trump has consistently pledged to dismantle the DOE as part of his campaign to overhaul federal education oversight.

Trump’s vision, as outlined during his campaign, emphasizes transferring authority from Washington, D.C., to individual states. He described his approach in stark terms, promising to shutter DOE buildings and reduce staff he claims oppose student's fundamental interests.

Project 2025 Drives Policy Goals

The proposal to eliminate the DOE is a key feature of Project 2025, a policy framework crafted by the Heritage Foundation. Supported by over 100 conservative organizations, including the Alabama Policy Institute, the document outlines priorities for Trump’s administration.

Project 2025 aligns with Trump’s critique of centralized education policies. The former president declared, “We’re going to end education coming out of Washington, DC.”

Trump elaborated further, stating, “We’re going to close it up -- all those buildings all over the place and people that in many cases hate our children. We’re going to send it all back to the states.”

Department of Education's Role

Currently, the DOE plays a central role in shaping national education policy. Supporters of the agency says it provides federal assistance to schools, enforces civil rights laws, and ensures equal access to educational opportunities for all students.

The department’s mission, as stated on its website, is to “promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”

Critics of the proposed shutdown warn that eliminating the department could lead to inconsistent education standards across states. They also argue that the absence of federal oversight might result in inequities for underserved students.

Historical Attempts to Shutter DOE

Calls to dismantle the DOE are not new. Such efforts date back to 1981, when the Reagan administration considered shutting the department down shortly after its establishment.

However, such attempts have faced significant hurdles. Because the DOE was created by Congress, its elimination would also require congressional approval, making the process politically challenging.

Despite past failures, Tuberville’s statement and Trump’s renewed commitment indicate that the debate over the DOE’s future is far from over.

Opposition and Potential Challenges

Opponents of the DOE’s closure point to potential consequences for students, especially those in marginalized communities. They argue that federal oversight is critical for ensuring equitable treatment and access to resources.

Proponents, however, claim that decentralization would empower local authorities to tailor education policies to the needs of their communities. They see the DOE’s elimination as a way to reduce bureaucratic interference and foster innovation at the state level.

As this debate unfolds, Tuberville’s call to “SHUT IT DOWN” underscores the ongoing divide over federal versus state control in education.