Californians Together unequivocally condemns the deliberate dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the outright eradication of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). This is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment—it is a ruthless attack on the educational rights of multilingual learners and other historically marginalized students. Stripping away these essential federal protections will have devastating, long-term consequences, further deepening systemic inequities, deepening the persistent achievement gaps and leaving millions of children without the resources they need to succeed.Some argue that education should be left to the states, but history shows that ED has long protected the constitutional and legal rights of marginalized students where states have failed or refused to act. This is not just restructuring—it is an erosion of fundamental educational rights.The elimination of OELA is especially alarming. For decades, it has been the federal voice ensuring that English learners (ELs) receive the resources, funding, instruction and protections they deserve. Without OELA:
- The civil rights of multilingual learners are at greater risk.
- Schools and districts will lack federal guidance and research-based strategies to support ELs.
- Educators will lose critical professional development opportunities.
- The pathway to bilingualism and biliteracy—essential for workforce development and global competitiveness—will be severely weakened.
The loss of nearly half of the department’s staff further exacerbates these threats. The department provides critical resources, support, and oversight to ensure all students, especially the most vulnerable, have equitable access to education. The elimination of positions will create unnecessary challenges for students and educators nationwide.This is not just an education issue—it is a civil rights issue.
Education has always been structured at the state level, yet states and local agencies rely on federal support, funding, and oversight to ensure equitable access to quality education. Weakening the department leaves millions of students—including multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students—vulnerable to systemic inequities. We Must Act Now.
We urge you to:
- Speak Up – Call your federal and state representatives. Demand the restoration of OELA and the necessary workforce within the U.S. Department of Education.
- Spread the Word – Share this message with your networks—students, educators, families, and policymakers must understand what is at stake.
- Find your representatives. Enter your zip code and you will get your representatives’ website, phone number, and email address.
Californians Together stands with our members, fellow educators, students, and families in condemning this reckless decision. We call on the White House to reverse course, urge Congress to fulfill its constitutional duty to uphold the education programs it authorizes, and ask the courts to defend the integrity of our nation’s education system. The future of multilingual learners—and all students—depends on it.