For Immediate Release

March 12, 2025

“The Trump administration’s decision to fire more than 1,300 U.S. Education Department workers is wrong, shortsighted, and lies in direct opposition to its overused mantra to make America great again. Sending more than 1,000 people to the unemployment line doesn’t make America great. This move is nothing more than a needless gutting of the agency that oversees federal college loans and Pell grants, and protects students from predatory colleges.

“Our union strongly opposes this decision and President Trump’s stated intention to dissolve the Education Department, a responsibility that lies with Congress. It is obvious that the president has decided instead to weaken and dismantle the department by reducing its workforce through buyouts and firings—which will wreak havoc with federal education programs nationwide. There has been no rationale given for these firings, or any plan provided to explain how the department will continue to effectively administer its programs and services.

“Despite assurances from Secretary of Education Linda McMahon that the staff firings will not impact student loans or distribution of Pell grants, UUP—America’s largest higher education union—remains extremely skeptical. Ten million students who rely on federal student loans to get a college degree now have no idea if those loans will be an option in the fall.

“We urge our New York congressional delegation to speak out and strongly oppose this politically motivated decision—and stand up for our students, our educators and our communities.”