Which cabinet-level department is most directly associated with civil rights enforcement in education?

The Department of Education is most directly associated with civil rights enforcement in education because it is specifically tasked with overseeing educational policies and ensuring compliance with federal laws pertaining to education. This includes enforcing civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in educational institutions. The Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Education is specifically responsible for addressing complaints related to discrimination and promoting equal access to education.

While other departments may have roles in civil rights, the Department of Education’s primary focus is on ensuring that all students have equitable educational opportunities, making it the most relevant choice in the context of civil rights enforcement in education.