1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the current state of our public education system and the recent federal actions that threaten to dismantle its very foundation. Our educators are underpaid and overburdened, yet we expect them to prepare every child—whether gifted, disabled, autistic, or otherwise—to contribute meaningfully to society. They are tasked with addressing diverse educational needs, upholding the rights of students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and ensuring fairness for all. Meanwhile, they navigate administrative pressures that often prioritize budgets and reputations over students’ best interests. Now, the situation is worsening. In the past three months, the Trump administration has initiated actions that threaten to erode the very structures supporting our education system: • Dismantling the Department of Education: An executive order has been signed to begin dismantling the Department of Education, with plans to transfer critical functions like student loans and special needs programs to other agencies ill-equipped for these responsibilities. • Massive Layoffs: Approximately 50% of the Department’s workforce has been laid off, including significant reductions in the Office for Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid office, jeopardizing support for low-income students, students with disabilities, and enforcement of civil rights protections. • Defunding Teacher Training Programs: Over $600 million in teacher-training funding has been halted, affecting programs aimed at addressing the national teacher shortage and improving teacher retention. • Targeting Diversity and Inclusion: Executive orders have been issued to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in K-12 education, and to criminalize educators who support transgender students, undermining the safety and inclusivity of our schools. These actions not only destabilize our education system but also threaten the fundamental promise that every child in America has the opportunity to succeed through education. I urge you to take immediate action to: • Protect and fully fund the Department of Education, ensuring it can fulfill its mission to support all students. • Reinstate and safeguard teacher training and support programs to address shortages and improve educational outcomes. • Uphold and enforce civil rights protections in education, ensuring every student has access to a safe and inclusive learning environment. • Reject policies that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that these principles are essential to a fair and effective education system. Our children deserve better. Our educators deserve respect and support. Our nation deserves an education system that reflects our highest ideals. Please stand up for public education and the future of our country.