As changes continue to roll out from the new presidential administration, CORE is looking at all the ways our Scholars could be impacted, especially with regard to our belief in equity. The concept of equity in education is rooted in the belief that every student, regardless of background, should have access to quality learning opportunities. But what happens when the very system designed to uphold those opportunities is at risk? With ongoing discussions about the future of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Nevada’s schools—especially those serving historically underserved communities—could face serious consequences.
If the DOE were to shut down, federal funding that supports Nevada’s most vulnerable students could be in jeopardy. Programs like Title I, which provides essential resources to low-income schools, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures students with disabilities receive the support they need, could experience significant disruptions. Without these funds, the burden would shift to state and local governments—entities that are already struggling with tight budgets and ongoing teacher shortages.
Furthermore, federal oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring educational equity. Civil rights protections enforced by the DOE help safeguard students from discrimination and hold schools accountable for fair practices. Without a federal body to enforce these protections, disparities in school funding, curriculum access, and student support services could widen, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority students in Nevada.
Nevada’s education system, which has long been working to close achievement gaps, cannot afford setbacks. For years, CORE has worked tirelessly alongside the school district not only to bridge those gaps, but to provide a curriculum of enrichment for our students and their families to bridge socioeconomic gaps as well.
The DOE’s potential shutdown underscores the urgent need for state-level policies that prioritize equitable funding, teacher recruitment, and student support services. It is more important than ever for educators, families, and policymakers to advocate for sustained investments in our schools. The future of Nevada’s students—and the state’s long-term success—depends on it.
