Democracy Forward Mobilizing Resources to Stop Illegal Attempt That Will Harm Students

Washington, DC – On the heels of President Trump’s signing of an executive order attempting to shut down the Department of Education—an unprecedented attack on teachers, students, and their fundamental right to quality education, Democracy Forward has announced it will hold the administration accountable in court to defend every student’s right to learn.

“Across America, in red and blue states, children rely on the Department of Education for critical support and for an opportunity for a fair chance to grow and thrive.  President Trump is again prioritizing callous ideological actions over the needs of people in seeking to dismantle the Department of Education,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “As we have made clear from the start of this administration, attempts to accelerate dangerous and harmful policies from the Project 2025 playbook will be swiftly challenged in court. That goes for this attempt to undermine educational resources for all.  We will be filing litigation against this action and will use every legal tool to ensure that the rights of students, teachers, and families are fully protected. Since Inauguration Day, the Trump-Vance administration has been taken to court more than 100 times, and we will do it again this time. ”

This unlawful move threatens to drain essential resources that support students’ learning and educational equity. Eliminating the Department of Education would cut off vital funding streams that help the most vulnerable members of our society, harming over 7.4 million students with disabilities, 26 million students from low-income backgrounds, 9.8 million students from rural schools, and many other communities. 

Any effort to dismantle the Department of Education not only threatens the immediate welfare of students and teachers, but undermines the long-term prospects for communities across the nation. The consequences of such a move are far-reaching, impacting educational access, community support, and economic stability.

Democracy Forward is mobilizing legal resources and working closely with education advocates, families, and community leaders to be prepared to challenge this executive order in court. 

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