***WATCH***

CRANSTON, RI – In an effort to stand up to President Trump’s proposal to slash education funding and shutter the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner rallied with educators from across Rhode Island.  The lawmakers stressed the need to continue investing in public schools and ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education in a safe and healthy environment.

The U.S. Department of Education’s mission is to support students, schools, and communities. The department conducts important research and administers funding to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

After winning office, President Trump said that he would like to shutter the U.S. Department of Education “immediately.”

Though education is largely under state and local control in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Education was created to provide critical guidance, support, protections, and funding for students, teachers, and public education across the nation. 

While the standalone federal department does not control what is taught in U.S. schools, its responsibilities include:

  • Administering billions in federal funding to almost every public school, including funds that help support students from low-income families and students with disabilities;
  • Providing and monitoring federal financial aid for postsecondary education, including Pell Grants and student loans;
  • Collecting data on schools;
  • Disseminating research;
  • Focusing national attention on educational issues, and;
  • Prohibiting discrimination and upholding civil rights.  

According to the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), the state receives approximately $275 million in federal funds to support public education, including $65 million for ‘Title I’ programs that serve low-income students and families, $60 million to support students with disabilities, $48 million to help feed students, and $11 million for career and technical education. Additionally, in 2024, more than $95 million in Pell Grants flowed to Rhode Island students and families to help pay for college.

Senator Reed said that the Trump Administration should be focused on improving public education and helping students succeed. Instead, Trump’s proposed plans to cut key programs and dismantle critical supports for teachers would have a disastrous effect on Rhode Island families and would hurt public schools and school departments throughout the state.

“Education is the foundation for our nation’s competitiveness and the prosperity of our communities.  It is essential for a strong society and a brighter future for America.  We can’t afford to leave anyone behind.  But that’s what the Trump Administration is suggesting they will do,” said Senator Reed.  “President Trump and the Republicans in Congress have declared war on public education.  It’s clear that their actions will have devastating impacts on our students and families.”

Reed continued: “We stand with educators. We stand with students and families. And we will fight Trump, Elon Musk, and his DOGE wrecking crew, who are intent on demolishing educational opportunities and our future.”

Senator Reed and Congressman Magaziner were joined at the event by Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Angélica Infante-Green; Rhode Island Commissioner of Postsecondary Education, Shannon Gilkey; Rhode Island College President Jack Warner; Executive Director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island, Mary Barden; President of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers, Maribeth Calabro; and Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Paige Parks.