The Issue

The reckless, unprecedented push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is stripping schools of vital funding; dismantling federal protections for students with disabilities, students in poverty, and other historically underserved populations; upending critical programs for students attending schools in rural and remote communities; ending data collection and research that shine a light on student learning; and jeopardizing access to quality education. This decision doesn’t just impact classrooms—it weakens our nation’s workforce, disrupts economic growth, and threatens our global competitiveness.

Public education is not just a local issue—it’s a national investment in the future of our economy, democracy, and security. Eliminating the Department of Education will rock local budgets, increase property tax burdens on working families and seniors, deepen educational inequities, and leave students, particularly those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds, without essential support. We must act now to stop this cruel and harmful plan.

Sign this petition to demand that Congress protect the U.S. Department of Education and uphold its mission of ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. Stand with us—because when education funding disappears, our future suffers.

How the U.S. Department of Education Strengthens America

Economic Growth: Federal education funding supports workforce development, career and technical education, and access to college. Without it, students will face skyrocketing tuition, fewer job training opportunities, and an underprepared workforce—weakening the U.S. economy.

College Affordability: The Department of Education administers Pell Grants, student loan programs, and financial aid that help millions of students afford higher education. Its elimination would force many students out of college and into debt traps.

K-12 Funding & Equity: The Department ensures states receive funding for public schools, particularly in underfunded districts. Federal programs support school meals, mental health services, and help ensure adequate numbers of well-trained teachers. Without these, millions of children will lose access to essential educational services.

Supporting Students with Special Needs: The Department is the only agency directly responsible for ensuring that states and schools comply with special education requirements. Without ED, there is no backstop requiring states and school districts to uphold the rights of students with disabilities, putting the services they and their families depend on in jeopardy.

Protecting Students' Rights: The Department enforces civil rights laws in education, ensuring students are not discriminated against based on race, gender, or disability. Without federal oversight, vulnerable students will be left without recourse against discrimination and unequal access to education.

National Security & Competitiveness: America’s ability to compete globally relies on a well-educated workforce. Cutting federal education funding will leave the U.S. trailing behind in science, technology, engineering, and innovation—while adversaries like China and Russia invest heavily in their education systems.

Public Health & Safety: Schools rely on federal resources for programs that address mental health, school safety, and nutrition. Eliminating these programs will put more children at risk and burden local governments that lack the funding to replace them.

Sharing What Works: Federal dollars fund research and data collection that measures how America’s students and schools are performing. Having a federal agency devoted to education helps identify and share effective methods that schools everywhere can adopt to help improve teaching and learning. 

The Department of Education plays a critical role in ensuring every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a high-quality education and a pathway to opportunity. Dismantling it would be a disaster for American students, workers, and the economy.

Take action now. Demand that Congress protect public education and reject efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.