Pittsburgh, Pa. − November 19, 2025 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee, issues this statement in response to yesterday’s announcement of the Trump Administration’s aggressive steps toward further dismantling the Department of Education:
“Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education has been part of the Trump Administration and Project 2025’s plan from day one. While yesterday’s further destruction of the Department does not come as a surprise, it is still going to harm students and families and have a direct impact on the economy.
An educated citizenry starts with a well-resourced Department of Education that supports students and their learning. But it’s clear that Trump fears an informed and engaged electorate, as much as he disdains intellect and experience. That’s why he appointed Linda McMahon, a former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO to be the Secretary of Education.
According to ProPublica, McMahon has brought on at least 20 political appointees from ultraconservative think tanks and advocacy groups who are “eager to de-emphasize public schools” and push private and religious schools, who deny enrollment to any student they chose.
These continued attacks on students and public education are why I’ve proposed legislation to create a new Office of Civil Rights in Pennsylvania that would help protect students against discrimination and harassment. My legislation will allow Pennsylvania to do what the federal government refuses to do and investigate and enforce students’ federal civil rights to education.
Being afraid of knowledge and abandoning our students is cowardice, not leadership. It certainly is not the kind of leader—or person—that I want to be.
If the Federal government won’t stand up for the most vulnerable students in Pennsylvania, I will.”
###