The Los Angeles School District unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday opposing the unlawful transfer of U.S. Department of Education functions to other federal agencies, citing significant risk of harm to student protections and the potential to undermine the core function of our nation’s public schools. Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill authored the resolution, and it was co-sponsored by Board President Scott Schmerelson, Board Vice President Rocio Rivas, Board Member Nick Melvoin and Student Board Member Jerry Yang.
This resolution provides an opportunity for broader advocacy within our communities to galvanize our collective voice around the protection, preservation and promotion of public schools. Board Member Newbill, said, “Congress alone has the authority to alter the responsibilities of the Department of Education. For decades, the Department has played a critical role in protecting students’ civil rights and ensuring access to essential programs—especially for students of color, students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students from low-income families. This resolution affirms LAUSD’s commitment to defending the rule of law, protecting students’ rights, and calling on Congress to reassert its authority and safeguard the mission of the U.S. Department of Education.”
“Any significant change to the structure or responsibilities of a federal agency requires careful, lawful, and transparent consideration,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Decisions of this magnitude should be guided by a clear understanding of the impact on students, educators, and school systems, and must follow established legal and democratic processes.”
“The federal government’s actions towards public education have been a never-ending challenge against education itself,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Contrary to what the current administration may think, the federal Department of Education is the enforcement arm that advocates in favor of our students with disabilities, those living in poverty, and ensuring that a quality education is accessible to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, or any other identifier. It has also been the source of funding for these programs. We call on the federal government to enhance funding for the Department of Education as opposed to systematically closing it down.”
“The unlawful transfer of U.S. Department of Education functions threatens civil rights enforcement, special education protections, and funding for our most vulnerable students,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. LAUSD is drawing a clear line — educational equity, accountability, and student rights are not negotiable.”
“Any federal action that undermines the operations of the U.S. Department of Education, from the dismissal of staff that oversee special education to the erosion of civil rights enforcement, ultimately harms the most vulnerable student populations we serve, said Board Member Nick Melvoin. We remain unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding student rights and urge Congress to act swiftly to protect the integrity of the Department of Education and to uphold the rule of law.”
“Today we stand against efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education efforts, which we know would roll back hard-won civil rights protections for our students, especially students with disabilities,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “This is a matter of justice, equity, and our students’ right to a quality public education. We must continue to hold our elected officials accountable and call on our school communities to stand with us in this fight.”
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said, “I stand united with my colleagues in calling on Congress to do the right thing and protect the rights and opportunities required for our high-need students. Shifting authority from the Department of Education to other federal agencies that lack both relationships and expertise is irresponsible and deeply harmful. Creating confusion and destabilizing the nation’s education system hurts our historically underserved students that rely on the federal protections, resources, and support that we’ve all come to trust. Our students deserve better!”
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