Educators for Excellence Statement on the Trump Administration’s Release of Unlawfully Withheld Federal Education Funds

Evan Stone, Co-Founder and CEO of Educators for Excellence, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s reversal in withholding nearly $7 billion from our nation’s students:

“Today’s announcement that the Trump Administration will release the nearly $7 billion in federal education funds–money it had been illegally withholding for nearly a month–is a major victory for teachers, students, and families across the country.

“Let’s be clear: this win didn’t come from a change of heart. It came because educators and communities across the nation rose up. They flooded legislators’ inboxes, spoke out at events, and made it impossible for the administration to ignore the consequences of its reckless and unlawful actions. These funds, including essential dollars for after-school programs, English learner supports, teacher development, and more, will finally reach the districts that had been counting on them to arrive on time. 

“But while we celebrate this reversal, we cannot forget the damage done. These funds were legally owed to districts on July 1. Withholding them stoked confusion and uncertainty during a critical moment in back-to-school planning, ultimately disrupting staffing and programming plans, undermining local leaders’ work, and causing harm that cannot be undone.

“As Congress continues the appropriations process for next fiscal year, it is more critical than ever that our coalition of teachers, students, families, and community members keeps raising its voice. We must ensure that this administration invests in reimagining public education, not dismantling it.”    

Evan Stone is available for comment to discuss this matter further.