The administration’s rescission of schools as sensitive and protected spaces and its directive to pause federal assistance are just two of those actions with far-reaching consequences. The first threatens the fundamental human right to public education, as codified through the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Plyler v. Doe[1]. The second threatens critical services and support for the millions of MLEs and the educators and professionals throughout public, adult, and higher education. 

While memo M-25-14 from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget has rescinded the earlier memo, the administration remains resolute and has communicated that the “executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented” (see Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s statement here; see full list of Executive Orders here).

TESOL International Association recognizes these challenges and their effects on the hundreds of thousands of educators and administrators, community providers, and students and their families, as well as their effects on the economy. The U.S. federal government plays a vital role in funding district and state educational agencies, along with vital international educational programs, and any pause to that assistance immediately and directly impacts students.

Please take a few moments to urge your members of Congress to oppose these measures and help protect our schools and MLEs at all educational levels.

[1] https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/access-education-rule-law