On Thursday an executive order signed by President Donald Trump directed the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
In response Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont released a statement saying:
“The president’s executive order threatens the strength and stability of our public schools by undermining the federal government’s role in supporting education. Programs like Title I, IDEA, Pell Grants, and Impact Aid are essential to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their family’s income. These investments help level the playing field, providing critical resources for low-income students, funding mental health and school safety initiatives, and guaranteeing services for students with disabilities.
“At a time when other nations are expanding their commitment to education to build a stronger, more competitive workforce, we must ensure that our schools have the resources they need to prepare students for the future. Republicans in Congress must stand up for our students and ensure that these essential programs endure. The success of our children, educators, and economy depends on it.”
Last week, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong a coalition of 20 other attorneys general sued to block efforts by the Trump Administration to fire more than 50% of the Dept of Education’s workforce in an effort to ultimately dismantle and incapacitate the department.
He said Thursday’s order was the latest illegal effort by the Trump Administration to undermine American education and hurt our kids.
In a statement Thursday, Tong said, “This is a reckless assault on our kids and schools across America. On funding for special education. For teachers. For school buses. For college financial aid. Donald Trump and Linda McMahon say they will just send this money to the states. I don’t believe that for a single second. They have zero plan and no authorization to do that, and they want to get rid of all the people who would be responsible for making that happen. We know where this money is really going—to billionaire tax breaks and Cybertrucks for diplomats. The simple truth is they just don’t care what happens to schools and kids and teachers in this country. We’ve already sued, and we are reviewing this lawless action now and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to protect our kids.”
The Department is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous different laws creating its various programs and funding streams.
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Tong asserts that the Executive Branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally incapacitate or dismantle it without an act of Congress.”