Senate Majority Leader Ruiz Denounces Executive Order to Dismantle the Federal Department of Education

TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz released the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump’s executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle the federal Department of Education:

“This executive action to dissolve the federal Department of Education, coupled with recent mass firings, is yet another blatant overreach of power by the President that jeopardizes our children's future. Since its creation by an Act of Congress, the department has worked for decades to streamline resources and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students.

“It funds underserved districts, special education, and federal student aid programs, supporting our most vulnerable. It is critical in education research and data collection, tracking school and teacher performance to shape policies that drive improvements. It safeguards students’ civil rights, promoting an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Without a unified federal department, we are shortchanging the next generation from reaching their fullest potential and setting our country backward.

“Any reduction in federal funding due to this order will devastate our state and students. Last year, New Jersey received over $1.2 billion in federal funds to support K-12 education, with the most significant investments targeting students with disabilities and learners in Title I districts. Additional grants included $15 million for literacy initiatives, $35 million for language acquisition programs, $47 million for teaching instruction, and $4 million for mental health services. If funds are lost or diluted by shifting responsibility across multiple agencies, we will lose meaningful efforts in addressing learning loss and closing achievement gaps, depriving our students of the tools required to succeed in the classroom.

“New Jersey understands the value of empowering every child with a strong academic foundation and will wholeheartedly confront any new challenges in the face of federal negligence. Congress must put our children above party and stand against this harmful directive for the well-being of the communities they represent.”