Bakersfield College held a panel discussion on Mar. 12 at the Levan Center, talking about current developments of the Department of Education and what could be some possible outcomes. Professors, Angela Bono, Javier Llamas, Matthew Maddex and Joe Saldivar were accompanied at this panel by a portion of students that attend BC.

Subjects that were brought up in discussion related to getting rid of the Department of Education, were how this would affect a number of students and teachers not just within the County or State, but on a Country basis as well. The Department of Education is the department in which students receive financial aid, loans, grants and, supply programs like special needs.

 A complete ban on this Department of Education has not fully yet been implemented and would require an act of Congress to fully emit this change. The only changes that have been made were cutbacks in employees that were a part of this Department.

Other subjects that were brought up that fall into this topic included what ways education could be changed and taught in schools, and how this could affect certain schools that have lower fundings as well as students that may not have the proper necessities, or environments to learn. Dr. Maddex explained what issues would likely arise or be seen by getting rid of the Department, “The biggest thing that would affect teachers in K-12 could be, directly the students, an inaccess to funding and Title I money, dealing with students who are low income and then also with the disabilities, so any funding connected to that can take away services, resources and things that are available to students.” Dr. Maddex informed that although this is what essentially would be part of the ban, there would be some type of protection within Kern County due to state laws but ultimately depend on how much federal funds would be received.

Graciela Ronquillo, a student at BC who attended the panel shared her thoughts on the discussion and debate of taking away the Department of Education, “ The Department of Education is here to support us and with the funds and everything and having to provide for students, who help support students, I think we need that, we have a right to education so why take that away and I think the Department of Education should stay.”