Congresswoman Rivas, Congressman Takano Demand Answers from Acting Department of Education Secretary Carter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), former STEM educator, joined Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce and former educator, and 95 House Democrats in requesting a meeting with Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter in response to numerous reports that the Trump Administration will be moving forward with an Executive Order to abolish the Department of Education. Congresswoman Rivas and House Democrats went to the Department of Education on February 7 to meet with Acting Secretary Carter, but were locked out and with resistance at the front door when trying to enter.

“Anybody who cares about the future success of our students and communities should be demanding the Trump Administration answer for its actions to dismantle the Department of Education,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “As a product of our public school system, I understand the important role they play in expanding students’ perspectives and giving them a fair shot at pursuing their dreams. President Trump’s extreme agenda will shut out public school students across the country from the federal programs and grants that will help them succeed.”

Background

Earlier this week, numerous outlets reported that the Trump Administration is planning to move forward with an illegal Executive Order to abolish the Department of Education. Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39), a former educator and Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, led House Democrats in a letter to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter asking for a meeting to discuss details of the Administration’s proposed shuttering of the Department, and to discuss impacted programs and the projected impact on Americans.

On February 7, Congresswoman Rivas, Congressman Takano, and House Democrats went to the Department of Education to meet with Acting Secretary Carter, but were locked out and met with resistance at the front door when trying to enter.

The full letter can be found here.

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