Dear BSE Community,
You may have heard the breaking news this evening that the U.S. Department of Education has initiated a layoff of half of its more than 4,000 employees. This follows the events of last week, when President Trump was poised to sign an Executive Order calling for the closure of the Education Department, which he ultimately delayed signing.
Like many of you, I am stunned and outraged. These are not just jobs being lost—these are dedicated professionals, many of whom have spent their entire careers working to strengthen education for every student in America. This is an assault on public education, and we must not stand by in silence.
Gutting the Department of Education is both short-sighted and reckless. A Department of Education, when staffed by individuals with deep expertise who understand how students learn, who value educational research, and who know how to support equity and excellence through programming, policies and funding, is essential to ensuring quality education. And quality education is the cornerstone of our thriving democracy. This decision threatens our future, and should deeply concern everyone who believes in the importance of a strong system of free, high quality, public education.
These last few weeks have raised deep concerns about the future of education in the United States and the federal education policy and the programs that so many students, educators, and communities rely on. In the face of these challenges, we at the Berkeley School of Education remain steadfast in our commitment to support our alumni community and education colleagues, and will continue to produce rigorous research, prepare outstanding educators, and advocate for policies that advance equity and opportunity for all learners. Now more than ever, we will lean into the important work we are doing in the BSE and with our research and community partners.
As this situation develops, we will continue to monitor and communicate its implications for our work and the broader education landscape. In times like these, it is important to remember that none of us are powerless. We must demonstrate leadership. We must continue our important work and continue to express our concerns and hopes and share relevant research with our elected and appointed leaders at the local, state, and federal levels. As one small step, you can sign up for the UC Advocacy Network.
As always, we will stand firm in our mission to support and advocate for an education system that uplifts all learners, particularly those who have been historically underserved.
In Community,
Michelle D. Young
Dean and Professor
