By now, you’ve likely heard about Trump’s Executive Order to close the Department of Education. This is a direct attack on our children, our schools, and our communities, but Congress – not the president – determines which agencies remain open or are shut down. This administration’s strategy is to exhaust us with repeated attacks on our values and institutions, and this is just another example. Email and call your members of Congress to reject this dangerous plan.
The plan was laid out in Project 2025 long before the election; it was clear that this administration had plans to dismantle government agencies, including the Department of Education. Public schools across the country have been subjected to relentless bombardment designed to roll back progress made by parents, students, and educators in establishing anti-racist, inclusive, truth-based education. This latest Executive Order is just another step in their agenda – unsurprising, but no less dangerous.
We refuse to remain silent while they attack our children and attempt to divide and destabilize our schools and communities.
The Department of Education plays a central role, one we need now more than ever before, in enforcing civil rights protections, safeguarding students from discrimination, ensuring affordable higher education, and protecting the rights of families. It oversees policies and programs that shape our schools nationwide – including funding for K-12 schools, students with disabilities and IEPs, early education, children living in poverty, and addressing the needs of educators. The DOE helps ensure that vulnerable students – especially those in underfunded schools – receive the quality education and resources they need.
Congress must reject Trump’s executive order to close the Department of Education. Take action now, by emailing and calling your members of Congress today to protect our children and our schools. New York State has a significant role in safeguarding and supporting our communities. This is not the time for inaction.