Tell Congress: The Department of Education Is Vital for Opportunity Now and for Future Generations |
At the end of January, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) reintroduced H.R. 899, a bill that seeks to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education by December 31, 2026. More than 25 Republican lawmakers have co-sponsored this dangerous legislation, which threatens to dismantle federal protections for students and undermine efforts to ensure equitable education nationwide.
In addition, President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education TODAY. This order will direct the Education Secretary to create a plan to phase out the department’s responsibilities while pressuring Congress to formally abolish it. This is a direct and immediate attack on public education that must be stopped. If we don’t act now, students in marginalized communities will face devastating consequences.
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) strongly opposes these efforts and urges our member communions and allies to take action. If successful, this push to dismantle the Department of Education would shift all federal education responsibilities to state and local governments, exacerbating disparities in educational access and quality. Federal oversight is crucial for enforcing civil rights protections, supporting special education programs, and providing funding for low-income communities. |
Why This Matters:
- · Disadvantaged students will suffer – Federal programs like Pell Grants, Title I funding, and special education resources ensure that low-income and disabled students have access to quality education. Eliminating the Department of Education would weaken these critical programs.
- · Civil rights protections will be at risk – Federal oversight ensures compliance with laws that prevent discrimination in education. Without it, marginalized communities could face increased barriers to educational success.
- · Increased inequality – A decentralized education system would lead to inconsistent policies across states, further disadvantaging students in underfunded schools and communities.
Take Action Now! We urge all NCC member communions and supporters to contact their congressional representatives today and demand that they oppose H.R. 899 and Trump’s executive order. Tell them:
- · Public education is a cornerstone of opportunity and must be protected, not dismantled.
- · The Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to quality education for all students.
- · Congress must reject efforts that threaten the educational future of our children and communities.
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Take the vital three steps below |
Call Your Members of Congress Today!
Tell them to vote NO on the proposed budget resolution and oppose cuts to essential social services. Demand a budget that reflects justice, compassion, and human dignity.
📞 How to Take Action:
- Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative.
- Use this script when calling:
- "Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City, State]. As a person of faith, I urge you to oppose H.R. 899 which would eliminate the Department of Education. If passed, the bill would shift all federal education responsibilities to state and local governments, potentially exacerbating disparities in educational access and quality across states. Federal oversight is essential for ensuring protections such as civil rights laws, special education programs, and funding that supports low-income communities."
Share this alert with your congregation, faith leaders, and social networks
📢 Social Media Toolkit: Spread the Word!
Help amplify our message on social media! Use these sample posts to encourage others to take action:
📌 Sample Post: 🚨 URGENT: Trump is preparing to dismantle the Department of Education, and Congress is pushing H.R. 899 to abolish it completely. This is a direct attack on public education and student equity! Call your representatives now at (202) 224-3121 and demand they oppose these harmful efforts. #SaveEducation #StopHR899 #ProtectOurStudents
Together, we can defend educational equity and ensure that all students—regardless of income, race, or ability—have access to a bright future.
📢 Let your voice be heard today! |
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