FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
CONTACT: apr@fenton.com
November 20, 2025 – Dr. Andrea Abrams, Executive Director of the Defending American Values Coalition, a member of the American Pride Rises Network, issued the following statement in response to reporting that the Trump administration has begun executing a sweeping plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, eliminate core civil rights and oversight functions, and scatter key student-support programs across multiple federal agencies:
“The Trump administration’s reckless and cynical move to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct threat to millions of students who rely on federal protections, resources, and oversight to receive a fair and equitable education. What the administration is calling a ‘reorganization’ is, in reality, a calculated effort to weaken civil rights enforcement, undermine accountability, and abandon the students who need federal support the most.
The Department of Education exists because, for too long, t students with disabilities, English learners, LGBTQ+ youth, and low-income students have faced systemic barriers that limit their opportunity to succeed. By dissolving key offices, shifting Title I and special-education programs to unrelated agencies, and eliminating federal watchdog functions, this administration is opening the door to deeper inequities and erasing safeguards that we have fought to secure for generations .
This latest action is using efficiency as a smokescreen. It is instead part of a broader authoritarian project that has targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion at every turn. Since returning to office, President Trump has ruthlessly attacked DEI initiatives, punished schools for supporting inclusive learning environments, and framed equity as a threat rather than a national strength. Now, by dismantling the very department tasked with ensuring equal access to education, the administration is once again scapegoating vulnerable communities to advance a dangerous ideological agenda.
Make no mistake: the consequences of this decision will be directly felt in classrooms across the country. Students with disabilities could lose access to critical services. Low-income schools could see reduced support. Multilingual learners and students of color could face weaker protections against discrimination. Families will have fewer avenues to seek justice when their children are denied equal opportunity.
While this administration continues to hoard opportunity for a privileged few, American Pride Rises stands firmly with educators, families, students, and advocates fighting to strengthen our nation’s education system. We will not remain silent while this administration dismantles pathways to the American Dream and the futures of our nation’s children. Together, we have the power to fight for a nation where every student regardless of background, zip code, language, or ability has the chance to thrive.”
About American Pride Rises:
American Pride Rises (APR) is an initiative committed to protecting pathways to the American Dream by fighting for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive America for all.