Saint Paul, Minn. – Today, the Trump Administration issued an unconstitutional Executive Order that seeks to erode access to high-quality education for children in Minnesota and across the country by dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.
“Donald Trump’s latest Executive Order is one more step in his thoughtless destruction of public services. Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education will mean fewer opportunities for our kids,” said Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. “This attack on our students and schools is indefensible. Here in Minnesota, we will continue working to ensure every child receives a world-class education.”
Trump’s Executive Order puts resources for students with special needs at risk; guts the Department’s Office of Civil Rights, which protects students from discrimination and sexual assault; and hamstrings the processing of financial aid, raising costs for college and university students who will have a harder time accessing loans, Pell Grants, and work study programs.
“We’re horrified by the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle and disrupt public education,” said House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long. “Trump’s reckless actions will lead to overcrowded classrooms, teacher layoffs, and cuts to resources for students with special needs. Today’s unconstitutional Executive Order is another example of Republicans dismantling vital programs and services in order to give massive tax breaks to their corporate and billionaire backers.”
The Department is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous laws having created its various programs and funding streams. The Executive Branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally incapacitate or dismantle it without an act of Congress.