March 28, 2025, Boston, MA – National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s attack on students’ civil rights:
“The National Parents Union condemns the reckless and dangerous actions of the Trump administration that have left over 46 million students without critical civil rights protections. By slashing the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and eliminating nearly half of its workforce, the Trump administration has abandoned students facing discrimination, harassment, and exclusion. This means students with disabilities, students experiencing antisemitism and Islamophobia, LGBTQ+ students, and victims of sexual harassment have been left without recourse—stripped of the protections that allow them to learn in safe, supportive environments.
“These cuts have consequences. The thousands of pending civil rights cases left unresolved mean that students subjected to discrimination will continue to suffer while their schools remain unaccountable. The firings of OCR investigators guarantee skyrocketing caseloads, further delaying justice and allowing discrimination to fester unchecked.
“Families cannot and will not stand by while our children’s rights are gutted. The National Parents Union demands the immediate restoration of OCR’s staff and resources. We call on Congress to act swiftly to reinstate civil rights protections for all students and hold the Trump administration accountable for this reckless abdication of responsibility.
“Education is a right, not a privilege—one that must be safeguarded for every child, no matter their background, identity, or circumstance. The National Parents Union will continue to fight to ensure our children are protected and have access to the safe, inclusive schools they deserve.”
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARENTS UNION
With more than 1,800 affiliated parent organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, the National Parents Union is the united, independent voice of modern American families. We channel the power of parents into powerful policies that improve the lives of children, families and communities across the United States. https://nationalparentsunion.org/