1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to quality education for all students across the country. Closing it and returning authority entirely to states could exacerbate existing disparities and undermine educational opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged communities. We should strengthen the Department's ability to uphold civil rights protections, promote evidence-based practices, and provide critical funding and resources to support student success. Rather than disbanding it, we should work to improve and reform the Department to better serve students, parents, teachers, and communities nationwide. I urge you to reconsider this misguided proposal and instead focus efforts on positive changes that empower educators and expand educational equity.