Students and activists gathered outside the U.S. Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Friday for a “study-in” protest against President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the federal agency—an agenda long championed by right-wing groups, including those behind the controversial Project 2025.
Protesters arranged school desks on the sidewalk, displaying signs that read “Trump, Stop Stealing From Kids” and “Kids Deserve Good Schools.” Organized by the youth-led Sunrise Movement, the demonstration aimed to challenge what activists call an assault on public education, democracy, and the future of millions of students.
“If Trump and Musk want to destroy the futures of millions of students across the country, they will have to come through us,” the Sunrise Movement declared in a statement ahead of the protest.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states.” The order followed a prior announcement that the department would slash half its workforce, marking a significant step toward dismantling federal oversight in education.
Conservative groups hailed the move, with The Heritage Foundation—one of the architects of Project 2025—applauding the directive as a victory for their long-held goal of reducing federal involvement in education. However, critics warn that the consequences would be devastating.
According to the Sunrise Movement, eliminating the Department of Education would lead to larger class sizes, severe underfunding of schools, and fewer teachers. Pell Grants, which help millions afford college, would be eliminated, while critical programs supporting students with disabilities, English learners, and low-income families could face deep cuts. Additionally, funding for school safety, mental health services, and infrastructure repairs would be slashed.
“Trump and Musk want to defund public schools so they can give their fellow billionaires a bigger tax break,” said Adah Crandall, a 19-year-old Sunrise Movement schools organizing manager in Washington, D.C. “We won’t let them rob us of a good education.”
Wanya Allen, a student at Seminole State College of Florida and a Sunrise Movement organizer in Philadelphia, echoed those concerns. “The Department of Education is a human right,” Allen said. “We, as the youth, are responsible for continuing the fight for equitable education.”
Allen added that the Pell Grant program, which made his college education possible, exists solely because of the Department of Education. “Trump and his billionaire Cabinet are stealing from everyday people like me and our opportunities to access education.”
As students, teachers, and parents continue to voice their opposition, the fight over the future of federal education policy appears far from over.
