1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I urge you to stand up and push back against the Trump administration’s excessive and extreme overreach, which has created pain, uncertainty, and confusion across America. These actions are hurting our communities, and most of all, our students. Congress is a co-equal branch of government, with the power of the purse. Voters are asking you to step forward and courageously use your constitutionally granted powers. The administration has rescinded its decree to freeze federal funding—for now. But make no mistake: That decree is just a preview of coming attacks and attempts to destabilize public schools across America—the schools that 90% of students attend. The effort will encompass everything from voucher schemes to slashing investments in school meals, student loans, Title I, and much more. Stripping schools, which should always be safe spaces for every child and educator, of federal protection in order to allow authorities to unleash raids traumatizes children, causing needless harm to them and their families. Using the presidential pen to demonize and target LGBTQ+ students leaves them even more vulnerable to harm and pushes our country backwards in the American journey toward ensuring rights and protections for all. Decreeing what can and cannot be taught in public school classrooms violates local control and inserts the federal government in curriculum decisions where it has no place. As a student who relies on programs like FAFSA, disability services, and mental health support, I urge you as a member of a co-equal branch of American government to step forward and do everything in your power to stop this onslaught of relentless and illegal executive branch actions. These actions are ripping apart the fabric of our country, undermining our laws, and weakening our democracy.