Morning Wire Episode Summary: "The End of the Education Department?"

Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Guest: Sarah Partial Perry, Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education

Introduction

In the latest episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into a pivotal shift in American education policy: the potential dissolution of the federal Department of Education. Joined by legal expert Sarah Partial Perry, the discussion navigates the Supreme Court's recent ruling, its implications for the Department of Education, and the broader impact on America's educational landscape.

Supreme Court Ruling and Its Significance

The episode opens with a detailed analysis of the Supreme Court's decisive 6-3 ruling, which overturned a lower court's injunction against the Trump administration. This landmark decision permits the administration to proceed with significant staff reductions within the Department of Education, potentially leading to its complete dismantling.

Notable Quote:
Sarah Partial Perry explains the court's stance:

"The chief executive officer of the nation, the commander in chief, is in charge of overseeing the functions and the staffing of the executive agencies... it's fully within his right constitutionally to be able to do that as conceived by the actual Constitution itself."
(02:31)

The Role and Function of the Department of Education

John Bickley queries whether the Trump administration now holds the authority to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. Sarah Partial Perry clarifies that while the administration can initiate downsizing, the complete dissolution of the department remains unlikely without congressional action.

Key Points:

• Approximately 1,300 Department of Education staff face layoffs.
• Six out of twelve regional offices have already been shut down.
• The administration aims to create a "fast, nimble and streamlined" Department of Education.

Notable Quote:
Perry emphasizes the limitations:

"The Department of Education itself is a creature of statutory law and cannot be dismantled without congressional input and involvement."
(02:31)

State Education Success Stories: The Mississippi Miracle

Perry highlights the success of states like Mississippi and Louisiana in surpassing national education standards without heavy federal intervention. Mississippi's "literacy bill" of 2013, which introduced rigorous reading curricula and evidence-based teaching methods, serves as a prime example of effective state-led education reform.

Notable Quote:
Discussing Mississippi's initiatives, Perry states:

"They funded a two-year course in evidence-based reading methods for all elementary school teachers... which studies indicate... lead to not only increased literacy rates, but higher IQ rates as well."
(05:20)

Critique of the Department of Education's Effectiveness

A significant portion of the discussion critiques the Department of Education's efficacy, pointing out that despite a $3 trillion investment since 1980, U.S. students lag in math and English literacy compared to their international peers.

Statistics Highlighted:

• Math Literacy: 27% of 8th graders.
• English Literacy: 30% of 8th graders.
• College Freshmen Reading Habits: Only 35% have read more than five complete books annually.

Notable Quote:
Perry criticizes federal spending:

"We have spent a total of 3 trillion dollars on American education. And right now our national averages are lingering at about 27% math literacy for 8th graders and 30% English literacy for 8th graders."
(07:24)

The Future of Civil Rights Protections in Education

While critiquing the Department of Education, Perry acknowledges its role in safeguarding civil rights. She underscores the importance of preserving protections for students with disabilities and women's sports, suggesting potential oversight by other federal departments if the Education Department is downsized.

Notable Quote:
Reflecting on civil rights:

"These are federal civil rights laws that have protected students with disabilities with differential learning outcomes for years. They should be preserved."
(08:40)

Dismantling DEI Programs and Legal Implications

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within education. Perry argues that DEI initiatives amount to "tax-funded discrimination," citing examples from prestigious universities and referencing the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Students for Fair Admission vs. Harvard.

Notable Quote:
Perry condemns DEI programs:

"They are essentially tax-funded discriminatory programs for everything, like racially separate graduation programs... scholarships only based on your skin color... which are patent violations."
(11:24)

Future Steps and Upcoming Legal Cases

Looking ahead, Perry anticipates significant legal developments concerning women's sports protections. With the Supreme Court having granted certiorari in cases from Montana and West Virginia, clarity on the constitutionality of separating women's sports by sex is expected imminently. This will influence the Department of Education's future actions regarding gender equality in athletics.

Notable Quote:
On impending legal clarity:

"We may receive final clarity from the Supreme Court on whether or not women's sports can indeed be separated by sex... which will provide significant air cover for their continued protection of women on college campuses."
(13:38)

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a reflection on the transformative changes facing the Department of Education. John Bickley underscores the administration's commitment to reshaping federal education policy, while Sarah Partial Perry emphasizes the necessity of congressional involvement for any permanent dissolution. Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the current educational reforms and the legal battles that will shape the future of American education.

Final Notable Quote:
Perry's closing thoughts:

"This is going to be an interesting remaining three years... the Supreme Court has just granted cert in two cases specifically on the constitutionality and legality of women's certificates sports protection acts."
(13:38)

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and concluding segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.