By Abagale Elliott

We’ve all heard of the famous, or maybe infamous, No Child Left Behind Act. George W. Bush implemented this in his years as president. The policy means that no child will fall through the cracks of the system. But, in the days of the Trump presidency, the system itself is being dismantled. 

DEI, or diversity equity and inclusion, the reason for wheelchair ramps and equal pay, is seen as a downside by the Trump Administration. Personally, I always see DEI as a positive, as I was taught at a very young age that we are stronger together when we have different opinions and different backgrounds. 

The ‘DEI’ sectors of the Department of Education (DOE) have been done away with. In areas like Special Education and Civil RIghts, many employees have been laid off or their job title has been fully done away with.

What does this look like in schools around the country? Well, instead of just slipping through the cracks, these kids are going to have the sidewalk yanked from under them, only for them to all fall where they ultimately get left behind. 

For special needs children, getting left behind is all too common. Special needs teachers are necessary from the bottom to the top. If these children lack advocates then they will be left behind, and they are being left behind. 

When Bush implemented the No Child Left Behind Act, he made state testing mandatory. In situations for people who have special needs this can lead to lower scores if they are not advocated for at the very top with access to accessibility and care. 

The fact of the matter is that test scores aren’t going up. I’ve heard it, you’ve heard it, and I know that the higher ups in the DOE have heard it. This, to some people, makes the No Child Left Behind Act look like it’s not doing its job. This job, though, is not the goal of the DOE. 

The job the DOE performs isn’t one that improves funding, test scores, or admission to expensive schools, it’s one that promotes equal access for all. Equal access to education for those who could be considered beneficiaries of DEI.

Overall, when you do away with the representation of a very large, marginalized group that group gets left behind. If you dismantle the system holding everyone together you may make life better for some people, but not those who need the system to survive in your world. If someone wishes to be included they should be because they deserve to be.