1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong disagreement with Governor Spencer Cox’s recent op-ed, in which he voiced support for Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. His stance is not only misguided but also reflects a fundamental lack of understanding of the Department’s critical responsibilities. Frankly, it is an embarrassment to Utah. The Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to quality education, enforcing federal civil rights protections, administering student aid, and supporting programs that directly benefit Utah’s students and teachers. Suggesting that it should be eliminated disregards the needs of students, educators, and families—particularly those in rural and underserved communities who rely on federal support. Governor Cox’s position demonstrates an alarming level of ignorance about how education policy works at the national level. Instead of blindly following political rhetoric, our leaders should be advocating for meaningful reforms that strengthen, not dismantle, the systems that support our schools. As your constituent, I urge you to oppose any effort to eliminate or weaken the Department of Education. I would appreciate hearing where you stand on this issue and how you plan to protect educational resources for Utah families. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.