In response to the Trump Administration’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, JCJ Founding Board Member and LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin issued the following statement:
“The Jewish Center for Justice strongly condemns the push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, viewing it as a direct threat to our most vulnerable students and a betrayal of the core values of justice, equity, and dignity.
“This effort is not simply a bureaucratic reorganization – it is a crisis that puts millions of children at risk. More than 7 million students in the United States depend on special education services provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Without federal oversight and enforcement, many could lose access to the critical resources they need to succeed in the classroom.
“Children with disabilities are already twice as likely to face suspension or expulsion compared to their peers. The removal of federal protections would only deepen these disparities and further marginalize those already at risk.
“In addition, nearly 16% of children in the U.S. live in poverty. These students rely on essential services like after-school programs, educational resources, and school meal programs—all of which are safeguarded and supported by the Department of Education. Over 30 million students count on school meals for breakfast and lunch, which for many are their only meals of the day. Without federal guidance and funding, these programs could be stripped away, leaving millions of children hungry and unsupported.
“The Department of Education plays a critical role in promoting equity, protecting students’ rights, and ensuring all children—regardless of background, income, or ability—have access to a quality education. Eliminating it would erode these protections and widen the gap between the privileged and the underserved.
“JCJ reaffirms its commitment to fighting for educational equity and standing with families who would be most impacted by this dangerous agenda. We call on policymakers, educators, and communities of faith to resist this effort and advocate for a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”