Preparing for the Department of Education's Shutdown
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Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Thursday, March 20th, aimed at eliminating the Department of Education. Here’s everything you need to know, how it will affect you, and how you can take action now!
Who Gets Hurt If the Department of Education Closes?
Students and Families:
Loss of Funding: Programs like Title I, which provide financial assistance to schools with high concentrations of low-income students, face uncertainty. This would result in reduced educational resources and support for millions of students. National Education Association | NEA
Special Education Services: The potential elimination of the Department threatens the enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which would diminish support for students with disabilities.
Educators and Schools -
Job Losses: An analysis by the Center for American Progress shows that dismantling the Department could lead to the loss of approximately 180,000 teaching positions, impacting 2.8 million students in low-income communities. National Education Association | NEA
Increased Class Sizes: Teacher layoffs will result in larger class sizes, exacerbating existing challenges in delivering quality education. People.com
Higher Education and Student Loans -
Disruption in Student Aid: The Department's downsizing raises concerns about the administration of federal student loans and grants, which will lead to delays or confusion for borrowers. People.com
Civil Rights Protections -
Reduced Oversight: The Department's Office for Civil Rights plays a crucial role in addressing discrimination in educational institutions. Its potential elimination could weaken enforcement of students' civil rights.
Educational Research and Data:
Impact on Assessments: Cuts to the Department will lead to reductions in funding for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), hindering the ability to measure and compare student progress nationwide. Houston Chronicle
How to take action!
Support Legal Challenges:
State-Led Lawsuits: A coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Department of Education, arguing that such actions are both "illegal and unconstitutional." Supporting these legal efforts can help prevent the closure. Axios
Teachers' Unions Actions: The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has sued the Department of Education for halting income-driven repayment plans for student loans. Backing such lawsuits can safeguard educational programs and services. The Guardian+1Reuters+1
Engage with Elected Representatives:
Contact Congress Members: Express your concerns to your senators and representatives, emphasizing the potential negative impacts of closing the Department of Education on students, especially those from marginalized communities.
Participate in Public Forums: Attend town halls and public meetings to voice opposition and raise awareness about the issue.
Mobilize Community and Public Opinion:
Educate the Public: Organize informational sessions to discuss the consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, particularly how it would affect funding for low-income and special education students.
Utilize Media Platforms: Write op-eds, engage in social media campaigns, and collaborate with advocacy groups to amplify your message.
Collaborate with Advocacy Organizations:
Support Educational Associations: Organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) are actively opposing the closure. Aligning with the NEA can strengthen their advocacy efforts. National Education Association | NEA
Join Coalitions: Participate in coalitions that are working to preserve the Department of Education and its programs.
Monitor Legislative Developments:
Stay Informed: Keep informed of legislative proposals related to the Department of Education and be prepared to respond to calls for public input or action.
Advocate for Support: Encourage lawmakers to oppose any measures that aim to dismantle or defund the department.
OUR MISSION AT CENTERED AMERICA:
Centered America is a non-profit organization created to reform the Democratic Party’s messaging in a way that reconnects with communities and voters across the aisle. Now more than ever, people feel underrepresented by the Democratic Party. We have to change that. We have to step out of our comfort zones to educate, empathize, and open our arms to everyday Americans—not by backing down from our values, but by finding common ground to bring all people into the conversation and fight for our democratic principles.
Centered America won’t stop fighting for you, and won’t stop fighting to uphold our constitutional and democratic principles.
Keep fighting for our democracy, keep fighting for America,
Sharad & Gavin | The Centered America Team