Dear John,

Trump just signed an executive order seeking to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This is an extreme attack on on our children’s future and our democracy. We need Congress to act now before it’s too late.

The good news: While only Congress can abolish the U.S. Department of Education, we need them to step in now to stop this power grab.

The bad news: This EO will create even more chaos and confusion which will harm millions of students, teachers and families. All students—no matter where they live, how much their families earn, or their race, ethnicity, disability, or gender—benefit from the U.S. Department of Education’s programs.

Let’s be clear. This isn’t a cost-saving measure. This deeply unpopular plan is an attempt to destabilize our country and put the wealthy and privileged above everyone else. Take action now.

Gutting the U.S. Department of Education will:

• Destroy public education
• Destabilize communities
• Cut federal oversight over discrimination in schools 
• End vital student aid  
• Erase pathways to the middle class for millions of people  
• Further disadvantage students in under-resourced school districts

Every student deserves an equal opportunity to attend school and reach their full potential, to be treated with respect and dignity, and to feel protected when showing up as themselves to school. Tell your representatives to protect the future of our nation’s education. Our students are depending on them.

In solidarity,

Shiwali Patel
she/her/hers
Senior Director of Safe and Inclusive Schools
National Women's Law Center