As Trump Guts Department of Education, Educators Brace for Uncertain Future

Virginia Beach, VA – Yesterday, the Department of Education announced that nearly half of their employees would receive notice of their termination today. In response, Affordable Virginia put out the following statement:

“As a mother of five children who go to our Virginia Beach public schools, including a child with special needs – I know firsthand how important the Department of Education is to ensure our children and teachers are supported,” said Kassaundra Stivanson, Virginia Beach parent. In the first weeks of Trump’s administration, we’ve seen that he’s trying to dismantle as much as he can, as quickly as he can, and our children will be the ones who suffer. Every child deserves a high-quality education regardless of background, race, or means. Trump and his allies must be stopped. If we want the next generation to thrive, we must call on Representative Kiggans to speak out against this dangerous action.

“Despite this blatant attack, educators across the Commonwealth remain committed to providing a world-class education to their students,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “It’s clear that Donald Trump’s priority is protecting his billionaire friends. Gutting education is a quick way to take money out of the pockets of teachers and children in the middle class, and hand it to the ultra-wealthy. Trump has said this will put education back in the hands of states and parents – but curriculums are already decided by the state. These cuts will cause harm to lower-income school districts and special needs students. Parents and neighbors need to stand together and call on Representative Kiggans to do her job, and protect our kids’ right to education.”