1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Department of Education. This misguided initiative, which would transfer key responsibilities to other federal agencies, threatens the stability and effectiveness of our nation's educational system. The proposed changes would affect six department offices, moving operations to four separate agencies. This includes transferring the offices of elementary and secondary education to the Labor Department, relocating the Office of Indian Education to the Interior Department, and shifting international education initiatives to the State Department. These transfers would impact approximately $31 billion in spending for K-12 and postsecondary education offices alone. This plan jeopardizes critical programs such as Title I funding for low-income students and Title II for state education agency funding. Administering these programs through the Labor Department risks undermining their educational focus and efficacy. The full extent of employee transfers and funding changes remains unclear, creating unnecessary uncertainty in our education system. While the administration cites the Economy Act as legal justification, this move has been rightfully criticized by Democrats and union representatives as both illegal and detrimental to students. Our education system requires dedicated oversight and specialized expertise that only a focused Department of Education can provide. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent this dismantling of the Education Department. Our students deserve a robust, centralized agency committed to their educational needs, not a fragmented approach that prioritizes bureaucratic reshuffling over student success. Please oppose any legislation or administrative actions that would facilitate this plan and work to maintain the integrity and authority of the Department of Education.