NEA: “Gutting the Department of Education will send class sizes soaring, cut job training programs...take away special education services..."

National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to the Trump administration reportedly firing half of the U.S. Department of Education:   

“Most of us believe every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns.   

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America by dismantling public education to pay for tax handouts for billionaires.   

“The real victims will be our most vulnerable students. Gutting the Department of Education will send class sizes soaring, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle-class families, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections.  

“Firing -- without cause -- nearly half of the Department of Education staff means they are getting rid of the dedicated public servants who help ensure our nation’s students have access to the programs and resources to keep class sizes down and expand learning opportunities for students so they can grow into their full brilliance. The Trump administration has abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation. 
 

“Over the last few weeks, Trump and Musk have been working to destroy programs students and families rely on, protections that ensure the most vulnerable in our society are cared for, and the investments in our communities that create jobs and drive economic growth.    

“Students get one shot at an education. Educators won’t be silent as anti-public education politicians try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities to finance tax cuts for billionaires. Together with parents and allies, we will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize so that all students have well-resourced public schools that allow every student to thrive."    

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org