Social Action and Justice Education Fellows Discuss Future of Education Funding

The Social Action Justice Education (SAJE) Fellowship hosted a Power Conversation on April 11, to discuss the implications of federal policy changes on the future of education funding and equity at state and local levels, particularly during the Trump Administration.

By SAJE fellows' definition, a Power Conversation inspires participants to take action. "A conversation leads to education, education leads to awareness, and awareness leads to change," Asha Keita '28 said.

As part of a project for their "SAJE ED285: Social Action and Justice" course with SAJE Mentorship Director Dr. Keisha Robinson, Keita, Robert Teemer '27, Leila Jones '27, Raenya Rogers '25, Tiani Young '25, Alessandra Arehart '25 and Faheiim Nasir Cooper '26 hosted this Power Conversation to examine the risks of the recent executive orders regarding the Department of Education.

Teemer, an Education Studies major who led the project, explained to attendees how the dismantling of the Department of Education could shift responsibility for education funding and policymaking into the hands of state governments, altering how resources are allocated.

"This could exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly in underfunded districts, and result in budget cuts that may undermine students' access to quality education."

Teemer began planning this event last year, focusing on the effects of the change in the administration on the Department of Education and, in turn, students in the education system.

"The current Trump administration inspired this Power Conversation as it became more apparent that students' futures were at risk, either due to fears of systemic inequity or by getting caught up in the social trend of anti-intellectualism," Teemer explained.

His goal with this Power Conversation was to create a space for people to challenge their thinking, use their voices, and be heard.

"With the rise of anti-intellectualism, there is a dangerous comfort in ignorance. People choosing to remain unaware is a significant reason many of our systems are in decline," he stated. "If there are no spaces to challenge our thinking, we risk remaining stagnant and continuing to perpetuate oppressive practices."

Beyond the potential funding changes, the fellows also discussed the many changes to curricula and education policy.

"What's happening now is Trump is trying to get rid of racial indoctrination," Jones explained. "This is prohibiting teaching materials deemed anti-American."

Dr. Ronald Whitaker II, visiting associate professor of Education, told the group about a law in Delaware designed to combat the current administration's plans for education.

"The HB198 law is mandated to teach African Americans in Delaware," he explained. "It ensures that in Delaware schools, specifically at the K-12 levels, kids will continue to not only be taught, but enhanced, about Black history, not just U.S. history."

Despite the challenging topics, the conversation marked a step toward a brighter future.

"I feel hopeful in a room of people who are like-minded and intelligent," said SAJE Fellow Ryan Salmon '25. "As long as we keep creating educators with this mindset, I have hope for the future."

"I think what we need to take away is that we know what we have to do," Keita said. "We're having a conversation, we're fostering education awareness and change. It takes a village, but this is where it starts."