- United States
- Okla.
- Letter
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding President Trump's recent proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This action poses significant risks to the quality and equity of education in our nation.
The Department of Education plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to education for all students, regardless of their background. It administers essential programs such as Title I funding for low-income schools and federal student loans, which are protected by federal legislation. Eliminating the department could jeopardize these programs, leaving millions of students without necessary support.
Moreover, the Department's Office for Civil Rights is instrumental in protecting students against discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. Transferring these responsibilities to the Department of Justice, as some have suggested, would likely weaken enforcement and leave vulnerable students without adequate protection.
The proposal also includes allowing the expiration of the $18 billion federal fund for low-income students (Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) and eliminating the Head Start program, which provides services to children of low-income families. These actions would disproportionately affect disadvantaged students, widening the educational gap.
Furthermore, the absence of strong federal oversight could lead to increased disparities in educational quality across states. Without federal guidelines and support, states may adopt varying standards, resulting in unequal educational opportunities for students depending on their geographic location.
Dismantling the Department of Education threatens to undermine the progress we have made toward educational equity and excellence. I urge you to oppose any efforts to eliminate or diminish the department and to continue supporting policies that ensure all students have access to quality education.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.