Want to support the Department of Education? Here’s a script to call your Senator.

There’s a lot of misinformation going on right now about what the federal Department of Education does and doesn’t do. It’s important to stay informed and to communicate your support when important institutions are under attack. The Dept of Ed provides needed funding to low-income schools, students with disabilities, and students pursuing college. The department DOES NOT dictate what schools can and can’t teach (states and local districts control what curriculum is taught). If you want to support the Dept of Ed, here’s a script you can use to call your Senator to vocalize your support of the Dept of Education. You can find your Senator and their phone numbers here: https://www.senate.gov/senators/index.htm (Office lines are “202-22X-XXXX).

Opening:

Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a resident of [Your State] and my zip code is [Your zip code]. I’m calling today to urge Senator [Senator's Name] to stand up for the U.S. Department of Education and support its continued funding and mission. I’m especially concerned after news reports around President Trump’s plans to get rid of the department, with or without congressional approval. The Department of Education provides crucial funding and support that helps our students learn and grow into productive citizens. For example, [Pick one or two of the below points to highlight]

Potential Talking Points:

1. The Department’s Role in Education
   The Department of Education is essential in ensuring that every child in America has access to quality education. It supports programs that help millions of students, including Pell Grants, special education funding, and Title I funding for low-income schools.

2. Impact on Vulnerable Communities
   Any reduction in the Department of Education’s budget would disproportionately hurt students from marginalized communities—especially low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities. These groups depend on federal support for equal educational opportunities.

3. Student Loan Assistance and Debt Relief
   The Department of Education is critical for managing student loan programs that help students achieve their higher education dreams. With the costs of college rising, we need to make sure students have access to resources like federal loans so they can pursue their educational goals. 

4. Investing in the Future
   Investing in education is an investment in the future of our country. A strong education system prepares the next generation for the workforce, boosts our economy, and strengthens our democracy. We cannot afford to weaken the department that plays such a pivotal role in this.

5. The Importance of Educational Equity
   The Department of Education has been instrumental in advancing educational equity, particularly for historically underserved groups. We need to ensure that all students have the same opportunities, no matter their zip code, background, or circumstances.

6. Opposition to Cuts and Political Retaliation
   Education should never be used as a political pawn. The Department of Education must be safeguarded from partisan attacks or retaliation, and I am counting on Senator [Senator's Name] to resist any efforts that would weaken its ability to serve our students.

Closing:

I urge Senator [Senator's Name] to protect the Department of Education’s budget and ensure that it remains a strong resource for students, teachers, and families. Education should be a top priority, and I trust that Senator [Senator's Name] will stand firm in supporting policies that promote educational equity and opportunity for all Americans. I look forward to hearing how Senator [Senator's Name] plans to defend and strengthen the Department of Education.