Grantmakers for Education Statement on Proposed Elimination of the U.S. Department of Education

Grantmakers for Education Opposes Elimination of the U.S. Department of Education; Calls on Philanthropy to Increase Commitment

Grantmakers for Education, the largest consortium of education-focused philanthropies in the United States, urges philanthropy to double down on its commitment to education with courage and collective leadership.

Public education is a national public good that requires leadership at the local, state and federal levels. The education authority of the state is longstanding and primary - from maintaining and operating public schools to defining performance standards for students and qualifications for the educator workforce, from selecting curricula to determining education funding, and more. Still, the federal government plays a critical and distinct role in protecting the rights of all students to access and experience a high-quality education that meets their needs and supports their development and accomplishment as learners and leaders. To target programs promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and to strip the Department of Education of its full functions is an attempt to undermine and delegitimize the public promise of education in a vibrant, multicultural and multiracial democracy.

Today’s signing of the Executive Order was expected. And that didn’t make it hurt any less. The effects of massive employee terminations and deep cuts to funding for ensuring civil rights protections, collecting data and conducting research, and funding schools whose students and communities need it most, are already felt deep and wide. These changes accompany threats to initiatives in other federal departments and agencies such as early childhood care and education, child nutrition, school health, workforce development and others that are part of the public education infrastructure.

There is no more important time than now for education philanthropy to renew, boost and even accelerate its activities and engagements in service to a bright vision where all learners blossom and prosper in their classrooms and communities, in education spaces and systems that facilitate deep and broad opportunities for achievement, mobility, fulfillment and human flourishing. As has long been, how and where learning takes place from the earliest years through college and careers is a space of conflict and generative change. As in moments past, a great deal weighs on learners and leaders today.

Students need and deserve robust leadership to continuously improve our education system. State and local government, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropic organizations and individuals all play a part in shoring up a well-functioning and well-resourced education continuum for learning and leadership over a lifetime. As an essential partner in the social contract for education, the executive branch is shirking its obligation.

If not already, this Executive Order will soon be challenged in the courts, offering philanthropy a few moments more to mobilize – to forge and strengthen relationships and coalitions, activate the full range of capitals the sector possesses, and take steps immediately within your organizations and with the communities your resources serve to stand in your courageous and principled leadership to affirm your support for public education often and vigorously. Join forces with your colleagues and peers across the Grantmakers for Education network, and beyond.

At Grantmakers for Education, our vision is for all learners to thrive in education systems that are equitable and just, supported by funders who are equipped with the knowledge and connections to advance transformation.

The work of education for a thriving democracy belongs to all of us.