- United States
- Kan.
- Letter
The Trump administration's plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education would be devastating for millions of students across the country. The department plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality education for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Gutting its resources and authority would undermine key programs that support students from low-income communities, students with disabilities, and those facing discrimination. Title I funding, which is essential for providing additional resources and support to schools serving high concentrations of students from low-income families, could be decimated. This would lead to the potential loss of 180,000 teaching positions and directly impact the education of 2.8 million students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides $15 billion to support students with disabilities, is also at risk. Millions of students with disabilities could lose access to the specialized services and accommodations they need to thrive academically. Moreover, the administration's plan could severely weaken the enforcement of civil rights protections against discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. This would leave countless students vulnerable and undermine their motivation, academic achievement, and chances of completing their education. The dismantling of the Department of Education would also jeopardize critical programs that make higher education accessible and affordable for millions of students, such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and loan repayment and forgiveness programs. The American people do not support these destructive actions, as they understand the importance of well-resourced public schools and the need to prioritize educational opportunities over tax cuts for the wealthy. Therefore, I urge you to reject any efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and instead work to strengthen its ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring equal access to quality education for all students.
