Opposing the Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education

WHEREAS, On Monday July 14th, 2025, the United States Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump may proceed with his plan to carry out mass layoffs at the United States Department of Education (the "Department") and effectively eliminate the agency; and

WHEREAS, The Department plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, including those from historically underserved communities, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students; and

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP) reaffirms its support for public education and recognizes that President Trump has an anti-public school agenda; and

WHEREAS, The Department upholds national standards and guidelines that protect students' rights to receive an accurate and comprehensive education, including the teaching of history that reflects the full and diverse experiences of the American people; and

WHEREAS, The NAACP supports students with the greatest needs, free lunch programs, after school programs, and teacher training to address current needs and providing essential services; and

WHEREAS, The NAACP supports statutory mandated functions including its ability to facilitate federal college loans, enforcing civil rights laws, monitoring student achievement in all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, The Administrative Procedure Act requires that federal agencies such as the Department publish proposed rules and allow public input before making final rules related to educational services; and

WHEREAS, The NAACP opposes the July 14th, 2025 U.S. Supreme Court decision; and

WHEREAS, Federal oversight ensures enforcement of civil rights laws in education, including protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA") and Title IX; and

WHEREAS, Efforts to abolish the Department threaten programs that provide vital funding to public schools, promote equal opportunity, and support students with the greatest needs; and

WHEREAS, President Trump's March 20, 2025, Executive Order No. 14242 seeks to dismantle the Department by allowing states to recreate the conditions that necessitated its creation, firing more than half of its employees, and limiting the Department's ability to fulfill its statutorily mandated functions; and

WHEREAS, As stated in the NAACP's lawsuits against the Department, the Department's actions, including implementation of the executive order and mass staff reductions, are unconstitutional and violate the Administrative Procedure Act.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP strongly opposes any effort to dismantle or defund the U.S. Department of Education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges federal and state lawmakers to support legislation that strengthens public education, protects civil rights, and upholds the Department's role in ensuring equity and accountability.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP demands congressional hearings to investigate the legal authority, fiscal impact, and civil rights consequences of Executive Order No. 14242.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP will continue to pursue legal action to prevent the unlawful dismantling of the Department.