Westbank Louisiana News

Senator Bernie Sanders, along with 37 other senators, has addressed a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing their concern over recent actions by the Trump administration. The administration's decision to close offices and lay off 1,300 workers at the Department of Education has sparked criticism from these lawmakers who argue that such measures will harm public education in the United States.

The letter highlights the potential negative impacts on students nationwide due to reduced capacity at the Department of Education. It emphasizes concerns about limiting federal funding access for communities, hindering students' ability to obtain federal financial aid, and weakening enforcement of civil rights protections. Notably, shortly after announcing staff reductions, a glitch in the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) system occurred, reportedly affecting students' access to necessary applications.

Sanders and his colleagues assert that these layoffs would reduce resources for children with disabilities and low-income students. They stress that millions rely on Title I funding and programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Pell grants.

In their statement, Sanders and his fellow lawmakers declare: “We will not stand by as you attempt to turn back the clock on education in this country through gutting the Department of Education.” They call for efforts to strengthen rather than dismantle educational institutions across America.