In a bold move, California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has pledged to fight against potential cuts to education funding if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his campaign promise to abolish the U.S. Department of Education.
During a news conference in Sacramento, Thurmond expressed serious concerns about the impact such a move could have on California's students. "We cannot be caught flatfooted," he stated, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect educational resources.
The potential elimination of the federal education department puts at risk approximately $8 billion in federal funds that California currently receives. These funds are critical for programs serving students with disabilities and those attending low-income schools, both public and private.
Thurmond highlighted the importance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees special education students a "free and appropriate education" along with individualized education programs. He also pointed out that defunding the Department of Education could harm students whose civil rights are protected and investigated through the Office of Civil Rights.
In response to this potential threat, Thurmond outlined a two-pronged approach:
Engaging with Congress: The California Department of Education is reaching out to legislators to affirm their commitment to public education, emphasizing that this is not a partisan issue but a matter of ensuring students' access to legally entitled resources.
Preparing for the worst-case scenario: In the event of large-scale federal funding cuts, Thurmond is working with the California Legislature on a backup plan. This includes potential legislation to backfill funding for special education programs and Title I programs that support low-income students.
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, chair of the Assembly Education Committee, echoed Thurmond's sentiments, calling for unity in the face of policies that could negatively impact vulnerable student populations, including children of immigrants.
The state has already taken steps to protect students' rights, with California having enshrined some federal laws and court decisions into state law in 2017 to safeguard the education rights of immigrant students.
As the education community in California braces for potential changes at the federal level, the message from state leaders is clear: they are prepared to fight to protect the educational rights and resources of all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.