1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

As a public school teacher deeply invested in the future of our education system, I am writing to express my profound concern over the current administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and its critical programs. These actions pose a severe threat to the quality and accessibility of education in our nation. The administration's plan, as outlined in Project 2025, aims to eliminate the Department of Education entirely, dispersing its crucial functions across other federal agencies. This move would have devastating consequences, including slashed federal funding for public schools, eliminated support for students with disabilities, ended enforcement of civil rights protections in education, and the abolition of federal student loan and workforce development programs. Of particular concern is the proposed federal rule to redefine certain professional degrees, which could significantly decrease student loan caps. This change would make higher education less accessible, potentially exacerbating inequality and hindering our nation's competitiveness in the global economy. Furthermore, the administration's actions during a recent government shutdown, which nearly eliminated the team overseeing special education services, demonstrate a disregard for our most vulnerable students. The gutting of teams responsible for civil rights enforcement and federal funding for low-income students is equally alarming and threatens to undo decades of progress in educational equity. As your constituent and an educator witnessing the impact of federal programs firsthand, I urge you to take immediate action. Please forcefully push back against the proposal to reclassify professional degrees and limit student loans. Conduct rigorous oversight into the administration's unconstitutional dismantling of a federal agency without congressional approval. Most importantly, refuse to pass any federal funding bill that enables these drastic cuts to vital education programs and protections for students. The future of our children and our nation's prosperity depends on a robust, well-funded education system that serves all students. I implore you to stand firm in defense of the Department of Education and the critical programs it oversees. Our students, families, and communities are counting on your leadership in this crucial moment.