Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:
"The Trump Administration’s ongoing assault on the U.S. Department of Education (ED) undermines the protection of students' civil rights and the rule of law. By dismantling an agency that plays a critical role in civil rights enforcement — particularly for Black and minority students, students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Pell Grant recipients, children with disabilities, low-income communities, and English Language Learners — the Administration is jeopardizing educational opportunities for our most vulnerable communities.
“Let us be clear: the Trump Administration cannot close a federal agency without an act of Congress. Nearly every family, in every state, in every district, and in every zip code understands the vital role ED plays in supporting students and ensuring equal access to high-quality learning opportunities for our children. It’s time for Republicans in the majority to join Democrats in defending ED and the constitutional authority of Congress."