Washington, D.C.– The Center for Learner Equity (CLE) denounces the Trump Administration’s Executive Order calling for the Secretary to facilitate the closure of the U.S. Department of Education (Department). Following the massive Reduction in Force (RIF) earlier in March, CLE condemns this administration’s continued efforts to weaken and ultimately eliminate the Department that ensures rights and protections for all of America’s children, especially children with disabilities.
This Executive Order oversteps constitutional authority that belongs to Congress. While unenforceable, it creates panic and chaos for millions of public school students, educators, and schools. At a time when academic achievement in this country continues to flatline, abolishing the Department would put countless students at risk of losing necessary resources, supports, and protections for their education.
“The intentional gutting of the institution charged with protecting children with disabilities is a tragedy,” said Jennifer Coco, Interim Executive Director of CLE. “The Department oversees the distribution of critical funding to states and monitors whether states, districts, and schools are lawfully implementing programs that support and protect students with disabilities. Without the expertise, dedicated personnel, and infrastructure of the Department, we lose critical safeguards needed to ensure children receive the education programs and services essential to their ability to be successful in school. The negative consequences of this unlawful Executive Order will reverberate across generations of students. CLE urges our national leaders to unite in opposition against such an ill-conceived and damaging action.”
For further information on CLE’s response to this administration’s recent efforts to dismantle the Department, see previous press statement here.
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