- United States
- Ore.
- Letter
The Trump administration's plan to eliminate the Department of Education is deeply concerning. This agency plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to education and protecting the rights of students, particularly those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds. Programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and borrower defense regulations are essential safeguards that must be preserved. IDEA guarantees a free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, empowering them to reach their full potential. Dismantling this law would strip away critical support systems and services, violating their civil rights. Similarly, borrower defense protects students from predatory and deceptive practices by for-profit colleges, providing financial relief for those who were defrauded. Without such accountability measures, vulnerable students could face further exploitation. Rather than abolishing the Department of Education, efforts should be made to strengthen its ability to uphold educational equity and opportunity for all Americans. Quality public education is a cornerstone of our democracy and a pathway to social mobility. Preserving the Department and its key initiatives is crucial for cultivating an informed, skilled citizenry and a prosperous society.