“Educators Reeling as Trump Takes ‘Sledgehammer’ to Education Department” ^[1]

First, Elon Musk and his so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” announced the termination of $881 million worth of Education Department contracts — including resources to study crime in schools and evaluate outcomes for high schoolers after graduation.

Then, Republicans in Congress released a plan to cut $330 billion in education spending, cuts that could impact Pell Grants, free school lunches for low-income students, and so much more.

And on top of that, Republicans in Congress introduced a bill to abolish the Department of Education as a whole!

Trump, Elon, and the GOP have made it clear: they want the Department of Education gone.

If they succeed in their efforts, students with disabilities would lose critical resources and protections. Low-income students would see their schools forced to lay off teachers and counselors. And students and parents could even lose their federal protections against civil rights violations.

As a proud product of Colorado public schools, Brittany Pettersen understands that every child, no matter their upbringing or their parents’ income, has the right to access a high-quality public education.

But by gutting the Department of Education, our country is now moving further and further away from that goal — which is why Brittany is taking action.

Brittany’s new petition is calling on Congress to *protect* the Department of Education. Will you sign your name alongside Brittany’s to show your support for public education?

Thank you for using your voice.

Brittany Pettersen HQ

[1] Education Week. Educators Reeling as Trump Takes ‘Sledgehammer’ to Education Department Contracts. February 11, 2025