To: President Donald Trump and the United States Government

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the erosion of the Department of Education and the devastating impact of budget cuts on our nation's students, particularly those with special needs. We urge President Trump and the government to immediately restore the Department of Education to its full capacity and allocate additional and appropriate funding to ensure fair and equal access to education for all students, regardless of their background or abilities.

Our public education system is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, providing opportunities for all children to reach their full potential and contribute to society. However, years of underfunding and misguided policies have already left our schools struggling, with disproportionate consequences for vulnerable student populations.

As a parent of a special needs child, I am witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of these cuts. My son, like many other special education students, relies on dedicated teacher aides for individualized support and attention. San Juan Unified School District, like countless others across the nation, has chosen to balance its budget by cutting funding to these vital positions first. This leaves one teacher responsible for 15 or more special education students, creating an extremely unsafe and inadequate learning environment.

These cuts to special education are not isolated incidents. They are a symptom of a larger problem: a systematic defunding of our public education system that leaves our most vulnerable students behind. This is unacceptable.

We believe that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs. This requires:

A fully functioning and adequately funded Department of Education: The Department must be empowered to provide leadership, guidance, and resources to states and local school districts.

Increased funding for special education: Special education programs must receive the resources they need to provide effective support and services to students with disabilities. 

Investments in teachers and support staff: We must attract and retain qualified teachers and support staff, including teacher aides, who are essential to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Equitable distribution of resources: Funding must be distributed fairly across all schools and districts, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.

We cannot afford to continue down this path. The future of our children and our nation depends on investing in public education. We urge President Trump and the government to take immediate action to restore the Department of Education and ensure fair and equal access to education for all students.

Please sign this petition today to demand that President Trump and the government prioritize education and invest in our children's future!