Save the Dept of Education!!

[GPV]

Just finished a powerful zoom with the NEA and AFT about the future of the DOE. Both teachers union presidents were passionate in calling on us to organize wherever we are, however we can.
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Governor Pritzker brought the state view and discussed the impact of the loss of funding for his schools, and pointed out that some states will not be able to make up the shortfall as well as his might.

NY AG James was clear that it is illegal for Trump to demolish the DOE by executive order. She's filed against him over 100 times during her tenure and is ready to do it again for our kids. Additionally, she said that the Disabilities Act and Individuaized Educational Plans would still be law and must be met, even if federal funding is pulled.

Rep. Jahana Hayes, a former teacher, left a call with the Democratic AGs and Governors, to join her fellow educators to fill us in on what she needs. She was extremely emotional, said she needs us to provide the wind at her back because she's getting worn down from this difficult fight.

Every speaker was powerful. They were angry, and they didn't mince words. Called the administration an autocracy-in-the-making. Called them out for lying. For stealing–from children!

The takeaway was this: Get the facts.

What the DOE does: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/how-dismantling-department-education-would-harm-students

Find out how the demolition of the DOE will affect your state:
https://www.nea.org/resource-library/federal-education-funding-selected-programs-state-and-program

Go to school board meetings and local town halls. Make sure attendees understand the double-edged sword of taxes possibly going up while services available shrink, should the DOE disappear.

Be visible! Rallies. Sit-ins. Walk-ins and walk-outs. Write letters to the editor for local and state publications. Don't let the Administration say that no one cares because they haven't seen and heard us.

And finally, get in direct touch with your representatives who are the only folks who can turn this around.

Email Congress:
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/tell-congress-stop-destruction-department-education

Call Congress:
House DC: https://www.house.gov/representatives
Senate DC: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm