Education Department dismantlement raises concerns for vulnerable students

In a recent interview, Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the state of education in the U.S. is "unacceptable." She announced plans to close the Education Department, as directed by President Trump’s executive order. Critics, including CNN’s Dana Bash, questioned how this move would improve test scores and protect students with disabilities. Current and former employees express deep concern over these changes. They believe that dismantling the department will harm vulnerable students. Three women, all dedicated to education, shared their stories of uncertainty after losing their jobs or being placed on leave during this turbulent period. Kissy, a former education program specialist, had focused on grants for Hispanic-serving institutions. She is fearful of the consequences for students and feels mistreated after being targeted by the administration. With personal health issues, she relies on her job for health insurance and is frustrated by the lack of clarity in her situation. Denise Joseph, a program analyst, echoed similar fears after being placed on leave. She worked hard to support education initiatives and is alarmed over the potential loss of oversight for disadvantaged students. Despite her recent academic success, she remains committed to fighting for the education system. Victoria DeLano, an investigator for civil rights, faced swift termination after a brief tenure. She raised concerns about the potential backlog of cases left unresolved due to staffing cuts. DeLano's personal experience with discrimination only adds to her dedication to protect students’ rights.