What a Day: Episode Summary - "Every Child Left Behind feat. Sec. John King"

Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston
Guest: John King, Former Secretary of Education

1. Introduction

In the March 12th episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves into pressing issues surrounding the U.S. Department of Education. The episode, titled "Every Child Left Behind," features a compelling interview with John King, the former Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama and current Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) System.

2. Department of Education Workforce Cuts

The episode opens with alarming news from the Department of Education (DOE). On Tuesday, the DOE announced a significant reduction in its workforce, laying off approximately half of its employees through deferred resignations, buyouts, and outright firings. This move is portrayed as part of the Trump administration's broader agenda to diminish the role of the DOE.

John King emphasizes the severity of these cuts:

"It's going to be terrible for students and families." ([02:51])

King discusses the DOE's critical functions, including funding for low-income schools, services for students with disabilities, Pell Grants, and the management of student loans. The reduction in staff raises concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of these programs.

3. Implications of Department Reduction

Jane Coaston probes into the potential consequences of dismantling or severely weakening the DOE. While education is predominantly a state-managed initiative, the federal role is crucial for ensuring equity and protecting civil rights within the education system.

John King articulates the risks:

"The federal government plays a key role that is equity focused." ([04:33])

He underscores the importance of federal oversight in preventing discrimination and ensuring access to education for marginalized groups. Without the DOE, services for students with disabilities, English learners, and protections against educational discrimination could be jeopardized.

King warns that dismantling the DOE would have far-reaching effects on the nation's competitiveness and workforce readiness:

"The United States depends on equitable access for all to education. That's how we're going to prepare the workforce we need." ([06:02])

4. Higher Education Funding and Administration Actions

The conversation shifts to higher education, highlighting recent actions by the Trump administration that target universities. Specifically, the removal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University due to its handling of pro-Palestinian protests and the ongoing investigation of 60 schools for alleged anti-Semitic discrimination.

John King critiques these measures as political weaponization:

"It's the weaponization of the Office for Civil Rights." ([08:29])

He explains that such actions undermine academic freedom and research capabilities, potentially leading to the shutdown of institutions that rely heavily on federal funds. The withdrawal of support for programs like Pell Grants and student loans poses a threat to millions of students' ability to access higher education.

5. Political Context and Bipartisan Challenges

Jane Coaston and John King discuss the historical and current political landscape surrounding the DOE. King reflects on his tenure during a more bipartisan era, contrasting it with the current administration's stance.

John King notes the shift in Republican attitudes:

"Things have changed dramatically with the advent of the really the Trump political movement." ([06:41])

He points out that previous efforts to reform the DOE, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act, enjoyed bipartisan support, a stark contrast to today's more polarized environment.

When addressing Secretary Linda McMahon's role and the administration's efforts to circumvent Congress in shutting down the DOE, King asserts:

"The Education Department is in law. All of the appropriations, all the funding streams that go to the Education Department are in law. That's what Congress said the money is supposed to be used for." ([07:45])

6. Consequences for Students and National Security

The potential dismantling of the DOE is not just an administrative issue but one that impacts national security and the country's global standing. King highlights the interconnectedness of education with economic competitiveness and innovation.

"Without national leadership and education, you have the risk of the United States continuing to fall further behind other countries. It's a threat to our national security." ([09:56])

7. Message of Hope and Call to Action

Towards the end of the interview, Jane Coaston seeks a message of optimism amidst the grim outlook. John King passionately appeals to current DOE staff and the broader community:

"We need their commitment to public service... This administration will not be there forever. We need the Education Department and its functions to continue. They need to keep going for the sake of the students." ([10:45])

He calls on parents, community leaders, and the business sector to advocate for the protection of public education and urge Congress to take action.

8. Conclusion

Jane Coaston wraps up the segment by acknowledging the critical insights shared by John King. The episode underscores the pivotal role of the Department of Education in maintaining educational equity and national prosperity, cautioning against the administration's attempts to undermine these foundational structures.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John King ([02:51]): "It's going to be terrible for students and families."
• John King ([04:33]): "The federal government plays a key role that is equity focused."
• John King ([06:02]): "The United States depends on equitable access for all to education. That's how we're going to prepare the workforce we need."
• John King ([06:41]): "Things have changed dramatically with the advent of the really the Trump political movement."
• John King ([07:45]): "The Education Department is in law. All of the appropriations, all the funding streams that go to the Education Department are in law."
• John King ([08:29]): "It's the weaponization of the Office for Civil Rights."
• John King ([09:56]): "Without national leadership and education, you have the risk of the United States continuing to fall further behind other countries. It's a threat to our national security."
• John King ([10:45]): "We need their commitment to public service... This administration will not be there forever. We need the Education Department and its functions to continue. They need to keep going for the sake of the students."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, detailing the discussions between Jane Coaston and John King about the potential dissolution of the Department of Education, its implications for various educational programs, and the broader impact on society and national security.