ECNETNews, March 20, 2025: Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) has issued a strong rebuke against President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. He cautions that this move could have severe repercussions for students, teachers, and families across the nation.
Rep. Espaillat asserted the importance of the Department of Education, which was created to guarantee equal access to quality education through federal oversight and support. “Abolishing it requires an Act of Congress,” he stated, denouncing Trump’s executive action as an overreach of power.
President Trump has directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate the shutdown of the agency, a process that mandates Congressional approval to be executed legally.
Espaillat labeled this decision a direct threat to K-12 schools and higher education, jeopardizing essential programs like Federal Pell Grants and student loan assistance. These initiatives have historically opened doors to educational and economic success for numerous students, particularly those in underserved communities.
“Dismantling this federal agency endangers equal access to quality education, exacerbates existing disparities, and diminishes accountability in supporting vulnerable students, including minorities, individuals with disabilities, and English Language Learners (ELLs),” Espaillat emphasized. He further warned that this move could lead to a reduction in job opportunities, weaken the national workforce, and compromise the country’s global competitiveness.
“Education has been the backbone of our nation for generations,” the Congressman maintained. “We are prepared to challenge these actions in court and will do everything necessary to preserve this vital federal support for educational institutions, teachers, and students.”
As a steadfast advocate for immigrant and minority rights, Espaillat reaffirmed his determination to protect educational opportunities and oppose policies that threaten the future of the nation.
