Resolution Condemns Dismantling of the Department of Education
Trump wants to close agency after slashing half its staff
Nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers are behind a resolution condemning Donald Trump’s recent illegal executive order to dismantle the Department of Education.
In addition to condemning this move to gut the agency, the resolution also blasts actions to reduce federal public education funding and the freezing of federal education grant funding, and it highlights the importance of public schools in providing opportunities for all children across to succeed.
In addition to his executive order against the Education Department, he’s ordered the firing of half the agency’s staff.
The Education Department began operating in 1980 after it was created by an act of Congress the previous year.
Among its functions, it distributes funding to education systems across the United States and is supposed to ensure equal access to education.
Led by Sen Adam Schiff (D-Calif), the new resolution also highlights historical role of federal government in public education, according to a statement from the backers of the resolution.
“President Donald Trump’s illegal attempt to dismantle the Department of Education will have disastrous consequences for our schools. It will harm all students, but particularly those reliant on special education and families depending on financial aid for college,” Schiff said. “I will be doing everything I can to fight the elimination of these vital services to a whole generation of young people.”
In addition to the resolution in the Senate, a companion resolution was introduced in the House by Rep Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) and has more than 100 co-sponsors.
The resolutions have the support of several national education advocates.
“The U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to education for all Americans. Programs and funding streams administered by the department serve students, families and schools that need it most,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “Dismantling the department breaks America’s promise of education for all children and is a severe threat to ensuring every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential. Our association applauds Senators Schiff, [Jeanne] Shaheen and [Bernie] Sanders for introducing a companion to Representative Bonamici’s resolution to protect the critical role of the U.S. Department of Education and the right of public education for all students and families.”
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