Protect IDEA & Education for Students with Disabilities

I am writing to express my deep alarm over the proposed executive order to shrink—or potentially close—the U.S. Department of Education. This reckless move threatens the foundational protections guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and puts millions of children with disabilities at risk of losing their legal right to an equitable education. The Department of Education plays a vital, irreplaceable role in enforcing IDEA and ensuring that students who rely on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) receive the accommodations and support they are entitled to by federal law. These are not bureaucratic formalities—they are lifelines that empower children with diverse learning needs to succeed. Dismantling the agency responsible for upholding these protections would be an unconscionable violation of civil rightsand a devastating blow to the principle of inclusive education. The legal mandates enshrined in IDEA transcend partisan politics and budgetary concerns. They represent a moral and ethical imperative to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—has access to a meaningful, high-quality education. Any effort to restructure or defund the Department of Education must prioritize maintaining the integrity of IDEA and the invaluable services it provides to families across the country. I urge you to stand firmly against this attack on our public education system and the rights of students with disabilities. Congress must act to protect these essential safeguards and ensure that the administration understands that rolling back federal oversight of special education is not just misguided—it’s morally indefensible. Please let me know how you plan to fight back against this dangerous proposal. The future of millions of children depends on your leadership