Concerns Grow Over President Trump's Executive Order Targeting U.S. Education System

On March 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order aimed at dismantling the core functions of the U.S. Department of Education, an action that has sparked significant backlash from educational advocates and families across the nation. The ramifications of this executive action could jeopardize essential educational resources for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and those requiring special education services.

National PTA President Yvonne Johnson expressed her grave concern, noting that nearly half of the department's staff are facing termination as a direct result of this executive order. Johnson emphasized the foundational purpose of the U.S. Department of Education, which was established to ensure equitable access to education for every American, regardless of their zip code, race, or financial situation.

“The U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure all students have access to quality education,” Johnson stated. She further elaborated that critical programs and funding streams managed by the department, including Title I and grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, are essential for supporting underprivileged students and ensuring equal educational opportunities.

One of the most impacted programs is Title I, which provides crucial funding to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. This funding is vital for maintaining educational resources necessary for these schools to succeed. Similarly, the department plays a pivotal role in overseeing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which mandates that states provide appropriate education for students with disabilities, holding them accountable in the process.

Johnson's remarks also raised alarms over the Office for Civil Rights, which works to uphold non-discriminatory practices within educational settings. She firmly believes that dismantling the department's capabilities equates to breaking the promise of education for all children, posing severe threats to their future and academic success. “This isn’t merely about reducing government waste; it’s about neglecting our children during a time when educational obstacles require increased resources and support,” she asserted.

The National PTA is calling on advocates and supporters of public education to mobilize and voice their opposition against the dismantling of the Department of Education. They emphasize that true improvement in the educational landscape requires unity and concerted efforts to find lasting solutions rather than targeting and weakening the safety nets which are essential to protecting students’ rights and wellbeing.

In light of these alarming developments, the National PTA is urging individuals to contact their congressional representatives. The organization is rallying support for a congressional resolution championed by Representative Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon, advocating for the preservation and enhancement of the U.S. Department of Education’s vital functions.

As America stands at this critical juncture, the voice of the National PTA and its millions of members—comprised of families, educators, and community leaders—remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to realize their fullest potential through equitable education. Advocacy for educational policies that support all children is crucial, and the current events underscore the collective responsibility that society holds in investing in the educational future of its youth.

To further support these efforts, the National PTA has provided resources and avenues for members of the public to get involved, demonstrating that the fight for equitable education is one that encompasses the entire community. For more information on how to join this important cause, visit PTA.org.

As the executive order unfolds, all eyes will be on its implications and the ensuing reactions from communities across the country, with educational advocates intensifying their efforts to safeguard the educational rights of every American child.