HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut education leaders and Democratic lawmakers raised alarms Thursday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.
Though the president cannot abolish the department without Congressional action, the directive signals steps toward its shutdown.
“That will be disastrous, I think, because the Department of Education exists to make sure there’s equity across school districts,” said Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (D-Trumbull), who co-chairs the new Select Committee on Special Education.
Trump argued the move would return control to the states.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the dismantling would not affect services or funding. Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-Prospect), ranking Republican on the legislature’s Education Committee, said, “I heard from the secretary saying no services would be cut and more money coming to the state. If that’s the case, that’s a good thing.”
Still, others demanded clarity. “What’s the plan?” asked Sen. Doug McCrory (D-Hartford). “If that’s going to happen, where will those dollars go? Where will that manpower go?”
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng said, “Ultimately, we think this is going to be real damage on students, it’s going to be damage on faculty, and it’s going to be damage on the intellectual exchange on ideas.”
Gov. Ned Lamont warned of a vacuum in national leadership. “I look around the world and see how other countries are prioritizing education and AI and making sure (there’s) limitations on social media and we’re walking away,” he said.
Attorney General William Tong filed suit with 20 other states to stop the plan. “This is a reckless assault on our kids and schools across America,” he said.
