Washington, D.C. February 14, 2025—Katharine Pichardo, president and CEO of Latino Victory Project, released the following statement following Trump’s Education Department secretary nominee congressional hearing:
“Since taking office, the Trump Administration has sparked chaos and confusion across the country, wreaking havoc within vulnerable communities, including Latinos. The latest Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education is Trump’s latest attempt to undermine public trust in our government and institutions. The confirmation hearing for his Education Secretary does nothing to assuage concerns about the danger facing the Department since Trump and Musk, who’s not an elected official, are dead-set on eliminating it.
“While the Trump Administration does not have the support of the American people nor the votes in Congress to eliminate the Education Department, these drastic actions will disproportionately harm students, especially Latino students who already face significant educational barriers. The Department’s work to fund special education programs, close academic achievement gaps, and provide grants to under-resourced schools is crucial in ensuring that students with disabilities or with low-incomes and those who live in underserved communities have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Dismantling the Education Department will also disrupt our higher education system, impacting critical financial aid such as Pell Grants that help students pay for college and removing funding for programs that make our colleges and universities more diverse and dynamic for all students.
“We stand together with our partners and allies in support of students, families, and educators across the country–and to defend public education and keep politics outside of the classroom.”
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The Latino Victory Project is a 501c4 organization that develops a pipeline of Latino leaders and shapes public discourse to reflect the growing influence of the Latino community while also building cross-constituency alliances that can move the country forward.
