Red Alert: Kill Bill S. 5384
A bill to abolish the Department of Education was introduced in the House on Thursday. Time to ride.
So They’re Trying to Abolish the Dept. of Ed (Already). What do I do?
Bill S. 5384, “Returning Education to Our States Act,” calling for the abolition of the Department of Education, was introduced to the House on Thursday, November 21st, 2024.
This means it will be most useful to write your House Representative on this matter first, rather than your Senator. With a strong outpouring of opposition, we should be able to kill this bill on the floor.
Letter Template
You can write your Representatives by mail or email—both are counted! If you are writing by email, it is still helpful to include your physical address to show you are part of their district. If you are filling out a form on their website, you may be asked for this information separately.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
United States Congress
[Name of the Representative/Senator]
[Office Address]
[Washington, D.C., Zip Code]
Dear [Title and Name of Representative/Senator],
I am writing to urge you to vote no on Bill S. 5384, “Returning Education to Our States Act.” My name is [Your Name], and I am [describe your connection to education, such as “a parent of a child with a disability,” “an educator,” “an advocate” “a parent” etc].
I am passionate about ensuring that all students, especially those from underserved communities and those with disabilities, have equitable access to quality education. As you know, the Department of Education is essential in protecting the rights of these and all students, and therefore should not be abolished.
In my experience, [briefly share a personal experience or observation related to the Department of Education, IDEA, Title I funding, Gallaudet/NTID, Printing House For the Blind, Helen Keller Center, etcetera; for example, “I have seen firsthand how IDEA has supported my child in receiving an appropriate education,” or “Title I funding has been essential in providing resources for my school” or “I am a Gallaudet or NTID alum”]. This federal support and oversight is vital, as it helps address disparities in educational opportunities, and provides protections that might otherwise be unavailable.
The U.S. Department of Education plays a critical role in administering programs like Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Gallaudet University, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the American Printing House for the Blind, The Helen Keller Center, The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Title I funding, and more. The protected right to education via these programs has changed countless lives, and Title I funding helps bridge the resource gap in low-income schools, supporting students who might otherwise lack access to essential educational resources. Without the Department’s work, millions of students could lose these protections and resources. The bill’s proposed maintenance of some programs by other government departments is insufficient, as it could cause an interruption in resources and oversight, and funding for these programs remains in question.
I respectfully request that you support the U.S. Department of Education by opposing bill S. 5384 and all subsequent efforts that would reduce its function or authority. Keeping the Department open is essential to upholding educational equity and ensuring that all students, regardless of background or ability, have the chance to succeed.
Thank you for considering my views on this critical issue. Please feel free to reach out if you would like further insight into my experiences or perspectives.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
How do I find my Representatives?
Right here, by Zip Code! https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
How can I find more information about this Bill?
Here is the press release by the Senator who introduced the legislation: https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-eliminate-us-department-of-education
Here is the full text of the bill: https://www.rounds.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/returning_education_to_our_states_act.pdf
90-second explainer in ASL with captions at my Instagram (@photonovic)
Here is the website to track the bill’s movement:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s5384
Bonus Action
Have a bonus minute? Choose a GOP Representative (or two) on the House Committee for Education and the Workforce, and write them, too. Strategy points for choosing one from a swing state.