Email from National Association of School Nurses   The National Association of School Nurses (NASN), representing nearly 20,000 school nurses across the country, is deeply concerned about the potential implications of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order directing the closure of the Department of Education to the maximum extent permitted by law. This action risks undermining decades of federal commitment to educational equity and threatens the consistent, nationwide enforcement of foundational laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws ensure more than 7.5 million students with special needs receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) ensuring they receive the support and services they need to learn and thrive alongside their peers. Transferring oversight and implementation of these protections to individual states—without a clear federal framework—raises serious concerns about the future of educational equity in the United States. Without strong federal oversight, students with disabilities are at risk of: Losing access to essential educational services and legal protections Experiencing greater disparities in service quality, particularly in rural and high-poverty communities Facing inconsistent enforcement of civil rights protections across state lines, jeopardizing the protection of student’s civil rights Shifting financial burdens to under-resourced local and state governments, forcing districts, cities, and states to pick up a larger share of the costs for these programs that may result in cuts to or elimination of these programs These programs are not optional. They are essential to ensuring that all children—regardless of ability, income, or geography—can reach their full academic and personal potential. For the 49 million children across the nation who rely on a strong, supportive public education system, these protections are not optional—they are essential. It is vital that these programs be protected so that all students can be healthy, safe, and ready to learn. All children deserve to have the best quality education that can be provided to them. School nurses play a critical role in ensuring students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. We see firsthand the life-changing impact of strong educational supports for students with disabilities and chronic health conditions. As frontline professionals, we understand what is at stake. NASN calls on the Administration to provide a clear, transparent plan that guarantees the preservation and enforcement of IDEA, Section 504, and all other federal protections vital to student success. These programs were created and authorized by Congress to ensure equitable education for all—and they must remain intact and fully supported. Kate King, DNP, M.S., RN, LSN NASN President Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE NASN CEO View as Webpage National Association of School Nurses | 1100 Wayne Avenue Suite 925 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice