AFSCME President: Closing Education Dept. Hurts Students, Workers

Education Department Closure Sparks Concerns Over Student and Worker Impact

The recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has ignited a significant debate over its potential impact on America's education system and workforce. Critics argue that the move, rather than enhancing educational outcomes, poses a threat to students and workers nationwide.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has expressed strong opposition to the closure, emphasizing that it will deprive schools of crucial resources. "Dismantling the Department of Education has nothing to do with improving public schools, and everything to do to with starving them of the resources to succeed," Saunders stated.

The directive, issued by the White House, tasks Education Secretary Linda McMahon with effectively shutting down her own department. Saunders responded in a statement highlighting the widespread repercussions for students and families.

Particularly vulnerable are students with disabilities, English language learners, and those in economically disadvantaged or rural areas. They may face larger class sizes, deteriorating facilities, and a lack of qualified staff, Saunders warned.

Additionally, the closure threatens to disrupt access to financial aid and programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, affecting college students and borrowers nationwide.

The impact extends to the workforce, including AFSCME members employed as school support staff across the country. "Shutting down the Department of Education amounts to one giant hit job on America's working families," Saunders argued.

He added that the closure risks the jobs and livelihoods of millions in the education sector, from teachers to bus drivers, while increasing the financial burden on local governments already responsible for most education funding.

The executive action aligns with the controversial Project 2025 initiative, viewed by Saunders as a strategy to commercialize public education. "We can't allow billionaires like Elon Musk and Linda McMahon to come into our neighborhoods, gut our public schools, and auction what's left to the highest bidders," he remarked.

In response, Saunders urged working people to Get Organized and take action against these developments. He encouraged collective efforts to safeguard educational and employment opportunities.