1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

The decision to eliminate the Department of Education raises significant concerns about protecting the rights and well-being of all students. The department plays a crucial role in upholding civil rights laws, ensuring equal educational opportunities, and providing essential support for students with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Closing the department could jeopardize these critical functions and undermine efforts to advance educational equity across the nation. While reasonable people may disagree on the appropriate federal role in education, an abrupt shuttering of the department without a comprehensive plan to properly reassign its responsibilities risks causing immense disruption and harm to students, families, educators, and communities. A more prudent approach would be to have an open dialogue with stakeholders to identify areas for reform while maintaining the department's core mission of safeguarding students' civil rights and promoting academic achievement for all. I urge you to reconsider this drastic step and instead work towards improving the department's effectiveness through targeted, evidence-based policies developed in consultation with education experts, advocates, and the public. The future success of our nation depends on providing a high-quality education to every child, regardless of their background or circumstances. Preserving and strengthening the Department of Education is essential to realizing that fundamental democratic ideal.