IN THE PRESS: McMAHON NOMINATION IS A CHAOS MOVE IN PLAN TO BLOW UP THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, FREEZE OUT FAMILIES THAT RELY ON PUBLIC EDUCTION

LOS ANGELES, CA — As the U.S. Senate today considers President Trump’s nomination of billionaire Linda McMahon to head—and possibly destroy—the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), parents in low-income, LGBTQ+ and of-color communities across the country, but especially in California, have much reason to worry.  

“All our children deserve a quality education, no matter who is President,” said Vickie Ramos Harris, Vice President of Policy and Programs at Catalyst California.  “It isn’t about red vs. blue, it’s about helping each student thrive in school. ” 

Polls show that most voters support public education and agree it requires more investment. In fact, students in red districts are more likely to receive and benefit from this federal support. California’s District 23, a Republican district encompassing Kern and Tulare counties, got nearly $120 million in Title I funds in 2020, more than 80 percent of all California districts and the most among Republican ones.  

Beyond the damage and bluster, neither Trump nor McMahon have the authority to close down the DOE. That is the purview of the U.S. Congress. Blowing up the DOE erodes all federal education oversight and accountability as it destabilizes critical supports that affect most families in this country. This is never a good idea. 

Among other things, the Department of Education: 

• pays for special education and health accommodations for students with disabilities, more than 800,000 of them in California 
• upholds students’ civil rights, protects them from discrimination and ensures the education system serves all children 
• collects student performance data to guide and hold schools accountable for supporting student success 
• administers a variety of funds, including student loans/grants for affordable higher education, Title III funds that support English learners and immigrant students, and Title I funds to shore up services for low-income and rural students in nearly two of every three public schools.  

The DOE also provides expertise, strategic coordination, and accountability for services and protections to our highest-need students. That simply cannot be absorbed by other departments and agencies with functions and missions of their own. 

“The consequences—to our children, our economy and our future—would reverberate for decades.” Ramos Harris said. “We join our partners in opposing confirmation of McMahon, and we reject Trump’s agenda of discrimination, exclusion, and ignorance. We call on our Congressional representatives to step up and defend the rights and protections of every family that depends on public education."