We urge Secretary McMahon to fully embrace the gravity of her role and to approach the responsibilities of this critical position with an unwavering dedication to serving all students and strengthening public education. Decisions made at the federal level impact millions of students, families, and educators, and it is essential that these policies reflect a commitment to equity, transparency, accountability, and the preservation of taxpayer dollars for public schools.
During her confirmation hearing, she demonstrated a limited understanding of the vital work of the Department of Education, revealing significant gaps in knowledge on key issues, and she committed to following the president’s directives—while also saying she would uphold the law and Constitution of the United States, asserting that the president would never ask her to break the law. We encourage Secretary McMahon to educate herself on the important work and mission of the department and to uphold our nation’s laws.
Ensuring equitable access to quality public education, protecting the rights of all students and educators, and ensuring all students—especially those with disabilities and those in high-poverty areas—receive the support and resources they need are vital to safeguarding and advancing the mission of the U.S. Department of Education.
While there may be differences in perspective and a lack of independent judgement required for this role, we believe that collaboration and open dialogue are key to meeting the needs of students and preserving the integrity of public education for future generations. We stand ready to work with Secretary McMahon to ensure that Connecticut continues to be a leader in providing excellent public education to its children, and we look forward to meeting with her in the coming months.
Together, we can focus on addressing challenges, supporting teachers, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed in safe, inclusive, welcoming, and well-resourced public schools.
