1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to dismantle or defund the U.S. Department of Education. The Department plays a critical role in ensuring equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of background, geographic location, or socioeconomic status. It safeguards students' civil rights, supports special education services, gathers essential data on school performance, and administers federal financial aid—functions that are indispensable to the well-being of our nation's educational system. As a parent of a daughter who will be entering college in 2028, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact such actions would have on families' ability to afford higher education. Undermining or eliminating the Department would not only jeopardize access to financial aid but also erode our national commitment to educational equity and opportunity. At a time when our education system continues to face challenges—including learning loss, underfunded schools, and growing disparities in student outcomes—now is the time to reinforce, not dismantle, the federal structures that support our students and educators. I urge you to oppose any legislation aimed at abolishing or weakening the Department of Education. I respectfully ask that you continue to advocate for policies that advance equal access to high-quality education for all students. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service to our community.