Senator warns dismantling Education Department would harm Native students

March 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, criticized an executive order by President Donald Trump to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, calling it a "betrayal" of the federal government's commitment to Native American students. Schatz warned the move would slash essential funding for Native students, including special education services, language programs, and college financial aid. The order could also destabilize rural schools and tribal colleges. Tribal nations and Native students are currently suing the administration, seeking to block federal workforce reductions that have already affected Bureau of Indian Education schools.

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