14-03-2025
Protesters rally against Department of Education layoffs
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Department of Education on Friday morning to protest mass firings and what some are calling an effort to dismantle the federal education system.
The Trump administration wants to shift federal education funding to the states, arguing the move would improve teaching and learning but critics say the plan threatens key programs and resources for students.
Portia Allen-Kyle, an advocate with Color of Change, said the firings impact civil servants who have dedicated their careers to expanding educational access and opportunities.
'Civil servants have taken it and made it their life's work and mission to expand that access and opportunity,' Allen-Kyle said.
Keri Rodrigues, President of the National Parents Union, worries about how the changes could affect students, particularly those in low-income communities.
'What is going to happen to after-school programs? What is going to happen to breakfast after the bell?' Rodrigues asked. 'Hungry kids can't learn, there is going to be classroom disruption.'
Hawaii Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono, also spoke out against the administration's plan.
'When we don't have an educated population, I think everybody can figure out that's not going to be good for our economy and our communities,' Hirono said.
Republican lawmakers, however, support the plan saying it will provide states with greater control over education policy.
'It will be better for the local educator, the local principal, the local county board,' said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (
Moore Capito reassured parents that federal funding would remain available for low-income families and students with disabilities.
'Federal support will be there in terms of dollars, just that the bureaucracy will not be present here in Washington,' she said.
The Department of Education said it is committed to supporting underserved communities despite the restructuring efforts.
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