“Education is our most important national investment.” – President Jimmy Carter

 

In October 1979, under Jimmy Carter’s presidency, the Department of Education was created with the mission of strengthening “the Federal commitment to ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual” and supporting “more effectively States, localities and public and private institutions in carrying out their responsibilities for education.” Operations officially began in May 1980.

 

On March 20th, 2025, current President Donald Trump signed the Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities Executive Order, imploring the closing of the Department of Education. President Trump believes that the current way the department is being managed makes it ill-equipped to handle the student loan debt portfolio and overtly prioritizes “illegal discrimination” via diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

 

Accessibility to higher education is under threat, with diversity-based scholarships on the chopping block. In a letter from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Acting Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor wrote that race cannot be factored into various decisions, including financial aid and scholarships. 

 

Race blind scholarships and grants aren’t safe either. The Pell Grant program, which is received by 34% of undergraduate students, distributes aid to students who show financial need to support their education. The program is currently expected to run out of reserves by the end of 2025, hitting a $71-111 billion shortfall over the next 10 years. Federal funding could be used to fill this deficit, but in February 2025, the US House of Representatives passed a budget resolution to cut $330 billion for education and workforce spending over the next decade, voting against giving education the resources needed to make the system prosperous.

 

Though we cannot rectify all current situations, we can still strive to support education wherever possible. HFLA’s education loans are need-based financial opportunities that students can utilize to achieve their academic goals. We also cover experiences that extend beyond the typical four-year undergraduate programs. Education should feel like an attainable goal for dedicated students, rather than an insurmountable challenge. HFLA is here to assist anyone wishing to pursue a new lifestyle, and finances should not become a barrier. 

 

 

If you believe that limiting education and efforts to eliminate the Department of Education should not be pushed, call your representatives to voice your opposition to striking down the Department of Education:

 

 If you are in Ohio, here are the numbers to call: 

 

Senator Bernie Moreno: 202-224-2315

 

Senator John Husted: 202-224-3353

 

Representative Shontel Brown (Northeast Ohio): 202-225-7032

 

Script:

Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].

 

I’m calling to demand that [REP/SEN NAME] strongly oppose H.R. 899 and Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. It is crucial that Congress stand firm against this blatant executive overreach and protect the Department’s vital programs and protections for students.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.

 

(Script provided by the 5 Calls app)