March 20 (Albany, NY) – Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order purporting to “eliminate” the US Department of Education (USDE).
“NYS PTA remains committed to making every child’s potential a reality, and dismantling the USDE will greatly negatively impact students,” offered NYS PTA President Patty Frazier. “We are exceptionally worried about our students with disabilities and students living in poverty, and the many critical programs and services the USDE provides that support ALL children and school districts across the country. We are fortunate in NYS that we have a robust public education system, State Education Department, and policymakers that truly support and invest in public education. Others states are not so favorably positioned, and we will continue to lend our voices to them alongside the strong efforts of National PTA.”
“USDE was established by an Act of Congress in 1979, and signed into law by then President Carter. President Trump does not have the unilateral power to “eliminate” this longstanding agency, one charged with supporting our country’s children and youth,” added Kyle Belokopitsky, NYS PTA Executive Director. “We urge Congress to take immediate action to support children and urge President Trump and Secretary McMahon to reconsider this Executive Order. Rather than “eliminate” the Department, we hope national policymakers and the President and Secretary will work collaboratively with educational stakeholders to raise up public education and our children.”
Take action here to Urge Congress to Protect the US Department of Education: https://nyspta.org/home/advocacy/take-action/
