Destiny Debates Conservatives on Abolishing the Department of Education & DEI

In this episode of Spectrum Street Epistemology from Miami, Florida we’re joined by Destiny, Brett Hall, and David Kistak. We discuss whether the Department of Education and DEI programs should be abolished.

Created in 1979, the Department of Education (DoE) aimed to close achievement gaps and improve student outcomes. However, there’s a good argument to be made that its impact has been largely negative, with test scores stagnating while spending skyrockets. Compared to other countries, the U.S. ranks average to below average in academic performance and student well-being. Add to that bipartisan complaints of federal overreach that the DoE has intruded on state rights. When DOGE set its sights on the Department of Education, for many it was a terrific day. But should the DoE be abolished, reformed, or kept as is?

Next, we dive into DEI programs, focusing on the debate between merit and immutable characteristics. What kind of society do we want—one that values merit or one that makes judgments based on immutable traits? Are there any DEI programs that effectively maintain meritocracy or is that the wrong question to be asking? Destiny asks, "Can you think of a DEI program that is bad?" Watch the discussion unfold and share your thoughts!