240+ State Legislators to President Trump: We Speak for the States, Protect the Department of Education and Equal Opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mattie Goldman, [email protected]
Dominic Hawkins, [email protected] 

“We reject any agenda that undermines equity, relinquishes federal responsibility, or weakens the critical role of the Department of Education” 

WASHINGTON — More than two hundred state legislators representing 43 states, in partnership with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the NAACP, wrote to President Trump urging him to reverse course on his agenda to dismantle the Department of Education. The letter uplifts state leaders’ objection to abandoning the longstanding role the federal government plays in protecting students from discrimination and promoting educational equity. The legislators warn that a weakened department will cause disproportionate harm for the marginalized students that they represent. 

The letter states: “Although this move has been described as ‘returning power to the states,’ there is no part of this plan that better enables state and local leaders to meet the needs of their communities. Providing for the education of our nation’s youth is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and leaders at every level must do their part to ensure that the resources, guidance, and guardrails are in place to ensure equal opportunity to a high quality education that prepares students for success in college, careers, life, and the full exercise of their social, political, and economic rights. Your effort to abdicate the federal government’s role as partner is a dereliction of duty, a failure to follow the law, and a betrayal of the constituents we represent.” 

Representative Jeremy Gray, D-83, Alabama House of Representatives, says: “The U.S. Department of Education has been a steadfast champion for civil rights, equity, and the fight against discrimination in our schools. As we work toward better outcomes and greater progress for all students, the department’s role remains essential and irreplaceable,” 

Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, says: “Every child in this country deserves an education that gives them a bright future. The doors of opportunity must be open to all students of every race in every place; to every child with disabilities; and to students at every income level. We have always needed to do more to achieve full and fair opportunities for all our kids. Parents fought for and won investments and laws to help children learn, but we also need a Department of Education that helps to make those investments fairly, provides oversight, and provides accountability – a place where  parents can go when school districts ignore their children’s rights and needs. Despite this truth, President Trump has made it a centerpiece of his administration to undermine our children’s future by dismantling the Department of Education, making our kids more vulnerable, and providing parents with fewer places to get help. We have a choice: we can build upon our gains or we can create more losses. But those losses are our children’s future, especially children whose right to an equal opportunity has been a continuing fight. The Leadership Conference and our coalition won’t stop fighting  alongside parents, students, educators, and local leaders who are demanding a better future for all of this nation’s children.” 

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of The NAACP, says: “Education is a fundamental right of all people, because a quality education is necessary for the continuation of democracy. Throughout our 116 years of advocacy and action, the NAACP has fought for access to a high-quality public education and civil rights protections for all children. We will not stand on the sidelines as the administration guts the effectiveness of the Department of Education.  Schools across the country need more support not less. Adequately focusing resources on children’s education yields high returns on the investment. We must ensure that every child can reach their full potential.”

The full text of the letter is available here. 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org. 

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

###