“This is a blind-sighted move with devastating consequences for New Jersey, our schools, students and communities. The scheme to dissolve the department will cause irreparable harm at all levels of education, from pre-K through college.

“Removing or reducing the federal role in higher education will deny many students access to college and narrow their career opportunities. Disrupting the student loan system and eliminating repayment options would be an economic catastrophe for students and their families, resulting in higher rates of default and greater debt.

“The attacks on the Title I program, which supports education in underserved communities, and on the special education services that aid students with disabilities are heartless actions that will harm vulnerable children and their families.

“Adding to the distress is the chaos and confusion in the implementation of the directive and the uncertain fate of the department and its functions. There are no real plans, no realistic contingencies and no reasonable ideas on how the dismantling of the department will be executed. That means the uncertainty will continue.

“But there is no doubt that students and their families will be the first to suffer and the educational community in New Jersey will pay a heavy price.”