Dear John,
Authoritarians benefit from an under-informed population.
This may partly explain why Trump and his Republican allies have put forth an extreme proposal to completely dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
If enacted, this bill would affect all federal student loan programs. Over $1 trillion in Pell Grants, Educational Opportunity Grants, TEACH Grants, work-study, and subsidized and unsubsidized student loans would be transferred to other departments or sent to the states, leaving millions of students in an uncertain limbo regarding their financial aid, loan payments, and repayment obligations.
In addition, eliminating the Department of Education would remove crucial protections for students with disabilities, while eliminating oversight that ensures equal access to education.
Abolishing the Department of Education would deepen the divide between the privileged and the disadvantaged, accelerating the growing gap between those with access to education and those left behind. The burden would fall heaviest on working families, forcing states to scramble for alternatives with little to no federal support.
At the same time, these same states would be forced to shoulder other costs Trump has long sought to offload.
The potential result? A system where high-quality education becomes a privilege for the wealthy, rather than a fundamental right for all.
Send a direct message demanding Congress reject this radical attack on public education and save the Department of Education now!
This isn’t just about student loans.
The Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring students with disabilities receive legally mandated services and in enforcing Title IX protections against discrimination and sexual harassment. Without federal oversight, some states will slash education budgets, stripping resources from students with disabilities, as well as removing protections for LGBTQ+ students.
Democrats can stop this attack -- but only if they hold the line. A united Democratic caucus in the House would need just three Republican votes to block the bill. With more than two dozen Republicans representing swing districts, that goal is absolutely within reach. And even if the bill were to pass the House, Senate Democrats could kill it with the filibuster.
But Democratic unity is far from certain.
Every member of Congress must be reminded that the American people demand the right to quality public education. If this reckless bill moves forward, it will deprive young people of opportunities, threatening the future of equal education. Every student, no matter their background, deserves a fair shot at success.
Congress must hear from us now. Tell Congress: Stop this radical anti-education agenda. Protect the Department of Education and defend students’ futures now.
Thank you for standing up and fighting for the future of our children and young people!
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
