1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's plans to defund and dismantle the Department of Education are deeply concerning. The Department plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to quality education for all Americans, regardless of background or circumstances. Dismantling it would undermine efforts to promote educational equity, support teachers and schools, and invest in the futures of our children and youth. Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy and a pathway to opportunity. The Department oversees programs that provide essential resources and funding for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, special education services, and financial aid for students. Eliminating these functions would deprive millions of students and families of crucial support systems. Furthermore, such actions could exacerbate existing disparities in educational outcomes and widen achievement gaps based on race, income, disability status, and other factors. A strong, centralized Department of Education is needed to uphold civil rights protections and address systemic inequalities in our education system. I urge you to take a stand against these harmful proposals. The Department of Education must be preserved and adequately funded to fulfill its mission of promoting student achievement, fostering educational excellence, and ensuring equal access for all.