Opposition to Terminating the Department of Education

I am writing in opposition of H.R.899 - To terminate the Department of Education and S.5384 - Returning Education to Our States Act. This legislation is an attack on diversity in the curriculum and efforts of the U.S. Department of Education to hold state and local officials’ accountable for issues of discrimination. The department’s mission is to foster “equal access” to education by “prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.” This mission is supported by numerous offices, programs and White House initiatives designed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. HR 899 would effectively eliminate the Office of Civil Rights, the subagency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin and disability. That office has been a central tool for holding school districts accountable for the egregious suspension and expulsion rates of African American and Native American children. The office also has routinely engaged in cases on student and employee harassment, retaliation, school tracking and the permissive allowance of hostile environments. In addition to the Office of Civil Rights, the department houses the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which coordinates and recommends policy to support children with disabilities, ensure the provision of special education services, and improve the delivery of special and rehabilitation services. Even more, the U.S. Department of Education houses numerous White House initiatives designed to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color and institutions serving high proportions of diverse students. The executive branch does not have the authority to abolish the Department of Education by executive order. Eliminating a federal agency requires congressional action. It is imperative that the U.S. Department of Education remain operational and fully funded in order to ensure a free, fair and equitable public education for all our citizens. I am asking for you to oppose this legislation, as well as any similar legislation introduced in the 119th congress. Thank you.