National PTA Deeply Concerned with Supreme Court’s Ruling Allowing Mass Layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education

National PTA Deeply Concerned with Supreme Court's Ruling Allowing Mass Layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education

Association urges Congress to preserve the Department's critical role

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 15, 2025)-The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Yvonne Johnson and National PTA Executive Director Howie Berman, MA, CAE:

"The Supreme Court's ruling allowing mass layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education is a severe threat to public school students and families in our country. The U.S. Department of Education was created to ensure equal access to education for all Americans-regardless of zip code, ability, race or economic circumstance. Programs and funding streams administered by the Department of Education-including disbursement of Title I funding, grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Office of Civil Rights-serve students and families most in need of vital supports. Diminishing the capacity of the Department of Education to effectively administer federal funding and support states and school districts with program implementation will leave millions of children and families behind.

"The staff cuts in the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, which works to prevent hate and discrimination in schools, puts students', parents' and educators' rights at risk. The cuts in the Department's research division mean less research and support for students with disabilities and less research for promising teaching practices. The elimination of the National Center for Education Statistics leaves educators, families and administrators without data needed to make decisions around teaching and learning based on what's working and what isn't working. These actions will have devastating impacts on children, families and schools, negatively impacting student achievement, educator shortages and access to high quality education for every child.

"Our association remains steadfast in our belief that the long-term success of our nation depends on quality federal investments in our public education system as well as programs and services that provide for children's health and well-being. There could not be a more urgent time to strengthen public education rather than dissolve the U.S. Department of Education, and we will never stop speaking loudly and demanding more for every child, family and school across the country."

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.