Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement on President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education:

“Growing up, I faced significant challenges at home. I made it where I am today because I had access to great public schools and teachers. Thanks to their investments in me, I was given a chance to build a better life and overcome the obstacles that I faced at home. 

“Now, Trump is ripping that same opportunity – not just from low-income families and students with disabilities, but from thousands of Colorado kids. When public education is attacked, every classroom and every student will feel the impact. 

“Let’s be clear: the President of the United States is taking books, teachers, and education programs away from our schools – all so he can put more money in the pockets of billionaires. We will not let this stand.”

More from impacted Coloradans: 

“The Department of Education plays a crucial role in upholding federal laws that prevent discrimination and ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential,” said Ang Anderson, teacher and National Education Association Director, Colorado. “If we dismantle this department, we’re cutting funding for programs that feed, educate, and protect our most vulnerable students, leaving many families feeling fearful and anxious.”

“The Federal Department of Education plays a very important role in the lives of some of our most vulnerable children,” said Paula Reed, former teacher, and Vice President of Jefferson County School Board of Directors.  “It provides guidance and funding for children with disabilities as well as funding for children in poverty. As a former public school teacher and a current member of the Jefferson County Public School District R-1 Board of Directors in Colorado, I cannot stress enough how vital these things are to our children and our society. Having a disability or growing up in poverty does not prevent children from growing up and achieving big things. Not having access to a high-quality education on a level playing field does.” 

“I don’t know how Title 1 schools survive without federal funding. Families will lose their community hubs if schools close. Students will regress in learning. We add trauma to everyone involved which is especially heartbreaking considering these schools often have a majority of low-income  and marginalized populations who already bear heavy burdens,” said Sarah Robirds, Colorado Parent Teachers Association. “The right to public education should not be weaponized. When we take away the right to education, it’s not only children who pay the price but our civilization and society.” 

What dismantling the Department of Education would mean for Colorado:

• Tile I provides federal funding to schools with high concentrations of low-income students, helping close achievement gaps and level the playing field. 914 Colorado schools receive Title I funding, supporting 326,212 students. 
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides federal funding to ensure students with disabilities receive the services and support they need to succeed. Colorado receives more than $205.9 million for IDEA funding to make sure these students have an accessible learning environment–from speech therapists to special equipment and more.
• Federal Pell Grants provide need-based aid to 69,248 Colorado students, while Work Study helps 5,245 students earn money for their education through part-time jobs. Together, these programs invest over $328 million to make higher education more affordable and accessible.