Executive Order Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education: A Severe Threat to Public School Students and Families

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, President Donald Trump signed an executive order with the intention of dismantling the core functions of the U.S. Department of Education. National PTA President Yvonne Johnson issued the following statement on the executive action:

"Last week the Administration announced that nearly 50% of the positions in the U.S. Department of Education are being terminated. Today, the president signed an executive order with the intention of dismantling the core functions of the department. The U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to education for all Americans—regardless of zip code, ability, race or economic circumstance. Programs and funding streams administered by the department—including disbursement of Title I funding, grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Office of Civil Rights—serve students, families and schools that need it most. Dismantling and diminishing the capacity of the department breaks America's promise of education for all children and is a severe threat to ensuring every child has every opportunity to reach their full potential.

"Title I funding aids schools with high percentages of children from low-income families. Grants administered by the Department of Education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act hold states accountable for providing a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities. The Office of Civil Rights works to prevent hate and discrimination in schools. These programs are all essential to improving academic outcomes and student well-being and cannot be dismantled or diminished without having devastating impacts on the children, families and schools they serve.

"Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education isn't about government efficiency, it's about abandoning our collective responsibility to our children at a time when educational challenges require more, not fewer, resources. We all agree that we need to improve our nation's educational system. But to effectively meet the needs of our students, we must all work together to create lasting solutions, rather than weakening the educational safeguards designed to protect and support all children.

"As throughout our history, PTA remains steadfast in our commitment to advocate for investments in programs that promote educational equity and opportunity for all children so that every child's potential can become a reality."

National PTA calls on advocates everywhere to make their voices heard to defend public education. Join the association in sending an urgent message to your members of Congress to insist they oppose any effort to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and instead support a new congressional resolution championed by National PTA's 2023 Congressional Voice for Children Awardee Representative Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon.

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

SOURCE National PTA