APEA Stands Against Trump’s Dismantling of Department of Education

The Trump administration announced yesterday (3/11/25) that it was firing about half the employees in the Department of Education as a possible prelude to closing down the entire agency. According to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, more than 1300 department employees will be dismissed, while another 600 have accepted voluntary resignations or retired over the last two months. The department oversees $1.6 trillion in college loans, enforces civil rights laws in schools, and provides federal funding for needy districts. Massachusetts schools receive various federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education, including through programs like Title I (for low-income students), Title II (for teacher quality) and COVID–19 relief programs. In 2024, Massachusetts received $720 million in federal education funds for public school programs

President Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to close the department and turn its functions over to the states. While only Congress can legally disband a cabinet level department. it has been reported that a draft executive order to shut down the department has been circulating within the Trump administration.

The Amherst Pelham Education Association issued the following statement in response to the announcement.

“The Amherst Pelham Education Association (APEA) opposes the Trump Administration’s targeting and dismantling of the federal Department of Education. President Donald Trump has stated his intention to close down this agency completely. Already, hundreds of employees have been fired and programs that fund efforts to improve students’ reading and math have been cut. The DoE exists to ensure equal access to public education for all students, no matter what their background or ability level. These are the foundational principles of a democratic and pluralistic American society.”

“The Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts receive approximately $1.5 million in federal funds. Much of this funding goes to protect those students who have disabilities and their civil right to an inclusive and equal education. As people working every day to support our community, we are committed to ensuring every student’s basic civil right to an education. We need to make sure this is a national priority as well.”

Read More
Education Department Cuts Half Its Workforce as Trump Vows to Wind Agency Down (The Guardian)

Ed. Dept. Will Shed Nearly Half Its Staff in Massive Reduction Under Trump (Education Week)

The Long Fight by Conservative Christians Against the Department of Education (Time)

Gov. Healey Warns of Impact if Department of Education Is Dismantled (WCVB)

Education Department to Cut Half Its Staff. See Possible Impacts for MA (Patch.com)

Assessing the Damage After the Education Department Mass Layoffs (Inside Higher Education)