Education policy debate: "We should close the U.S. Department of Education" | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Type: Public event

Education policy debate: "We should close the U.S. Department of Education"

Join a watch party exploring whether closing the Department of Education would empower states or diminish essential services and civil rights enforcement.

Click here to register

Speaker

Jim Blew, Lindsey Burke, Ted Mitchell, Roberto J. Rodriguez, Nat Malkus

Date & time

Sep 2, 2026, 6:30-7:45 pm EDT

Location

Marsal Family School of Education, Prechter Lab, Room 2202
610 E University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Abstract illustration
Illustration by iStock Photo

The Life-Changing Education team is excited to welcome the Marsal community back to campus for an Education Policy Debate Watch Party.

Together, we will watch and discuss the American Enterprise Institute debate centered on the motion: "We should close the U.S. Department of Education." This event is an opportunity to consider timely questions about the future of education policy, hear expert perspectives from both sides, and connect with members of our community through thoughtful conversation and dialogue.

Whether you have strong opinions about the future of the U.S. Department of Education or simply want to learn more, all are welcome.



Featuring:

  • Jim Blew — Co-founder, Defense of Freedom Institute, and former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education
  • Lindsey Burke — Deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, U.S. Department of Education
  • Ted Mitchell — President, American Council on Education
  • Roberto J. Rodriguez — Doris Duke Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Georgetown University

Moderator:

  • Nat Malkus — Deputy director of education policy studies, American Enterprise Institute



The debate is hosted by the American Enterprise Institute, and the watch party is hosted by the Life-Changing Education team. Please register by Monday, August 31, to help organizers finalize catering and event logistics.

Please contact the Life-Changing Education team at [email protected] with questions.