NAACP CONDEMNS MASS LAYOFFS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2025
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, leadership at the Department of Education announced that they would cut the Department's staff by more than 50%. The news comes as advocates, and educators have been awaiting the dismantling of the Department of Education as a whole, one of President Trump's outspoken promises and a key pillar of Project 2025.
NAACP leaders released the following statements reacting to today's appalling news:
"Once again, Donald Trump is making clear that underrepresented and working class Americans are far from his priority," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Trump is only concerned with taking taxpayer dollars away from government services and giving it to his billionaire friends. The latest unqualified billionaire he's appointed has shown us that they are not here to serve the American people, they are here to serve Trump and carry out the imperatives in Project 2025. The decision to cut nearly half of the Department of Education's workforce is reckless and dangerous for America's children and the future of our nation. What we are witnessing is not only the dismantling of an agency, but the unraveling of our democracy."
Patrice Willoughby, Chief of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the NAACP, added, "Throughout our 116 years of existence, the NAACP has fought to expand educational opportunities and access — from securing the landmark Brown v Board of Education victory in the Supreme Court, to leading the charge to cancel nearly $190 billion in student debt. Over the years, we've worked closely with the Department of Education to ensure that all children have access to quality education and have the opportunity to thrive. Congress, it's time to act before it's too late."
To learn more about NAACP's work to advance educational opportunity, visit our website.
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.