NAACP, USSA, and other Education Advocacy Groups Host Rally and March to End the Dismantling of the Department of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2025 

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – This week, the NAACP led a mass march and rally on Capitol Hill to protest the imminent shutdown of the U.S. Department of Education. The event took place on the heels of the Association's announcement of a lawsuit challenging the White House's executive order to shut down the Department of Education. The group was joined by the United States Student Association (USSA), National Education Association (NEA), and Get Free Movement in the march to Capitol Hill. The rally welcomed students, educators, and advocates from across the country who joined together to demand federal action to protect public education, student aid programs, and civil rights enforcement in our nation's schools.

Derrick Lewis, NAACP Youth & College Director, shared the following statement:

"Our education systems are collapsing under inequity and being dismantled under the guise of advancing states' rights by Donald Trump and his political allies. The last time states had significant control over education was marked by widespread school segregation and unequal education for Black children. Let the truth be told – sending the power of education authority back to the states would rewind decades of progress made at the federal level and will make it more difficult for communities to access quality education, as we've witnessed in the past. We must preserve the  progress made to bridge the gaps of inequity and poverty and ensure that all children get a real chance at a fulfilling education in America. The NAACP will continue the charge forward, demanding education rights in the streets and the courtrooms for every student."

The rally took place following the United States Students Association's (USSA) 47th Annual Legislative Conference, where over 130 students from 40 universities and colleges across 19 states, focusing on education issues such as college affordability and protecting public education. Over three days, students participated in trainings and discussions on the challenges affecting them and were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively engage with elected officials on Capitol Hill. Following the rally, participants conducted 37 meetings with elected officials from both the House and Senate, advocating for policies that support students and public education.

The NAACP advocates for the education rights due to every child in America because our nation's children deserve an opportunity to reach their full potential. For more information on our education advocacy and Youth and College work, 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.