“House Concurrent Resolution 1025 is more than a symbolic swipe at the federal government. It is a direct attack on the students and families who rely on the essential services the U.S. Department of Education provides.
“The Department of Education protects the rights of students with disabilities through enforcement of federal special education law. It opens doors for low‑income students through Pell Grants and federal student loans. It supports Title I programs that meet students where they are and help close achievement gaps. And it serves as a critical watchdog over federal education spending, something Oklahomans saw firsthand through federal investigations into Playstations and Christmas trees purchased under the “blanket approval” given by former State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
“What the Department of Education does not do is dictate curriculum to states. It does not tell Oklahoma what to teach. Its role is to ensure that states account for all students, including those who are too often overlooked or underserved. Eliminating these safeguards does not improve education. It strips away protections for students with disabilities, reduces opportunities for low‑income families, and weakens oversight of how taxpayer dollars are spent.
“It is no surprise that the current presidential administration opposes these protections and opportunities for the students who need them most. What is disappointing is that this legislative body chose to play along.
“Oklahomans deserve a government that strengthens public education, not one that dismantles the very tools designed to ensure fairness, accountability, and opportunity for every child.”
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