AAPI Victory Alliance Responds to DOE Layoffs and the Privatization Agenda
AAPI Victory Alliance Responds to DOE Layoffs and the Privatization Agenda
WASHINGTON — The Department of Education’s decision to lay off half of its workforce is a direct threat to the educational progress that every student in this country deserves. This drastic measure is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy led by this Administration to dismantle longstanding institutions that serve the public good. These cuts are designed to weaken and privatize crucial public services, undermining the very foundation of our education system.
The Department of Education layoffs will have a devastating impact on communities already grappling with systemic challenges — especially for students from low-income, immigrant, and communities of color, including the AAPI community. These cuts will reduce support for critical programs, limit outreach to underserved populations, and diminish resources that help keep students on track toward graduation. The result is an education system less capable of addressing the needs of our diverse population.
The AAPI community has long valued education as a cornerstone of success and opportunity. With one of the highest educational attainment rates among racial and ethnic groups in the United States – but also with some of the widest disparities within the community – AAPIs understand that education is not only a pathway to individual prosperity but also a means of lifting entire communities. Education empowers our youth to break generational cycles of poverty and realize their fullest potential to achieve beyond the American dream.
“As a former Department of Education employee, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of this workforce — public servants who work tirelessly to ensure students and families can access financial aid, special education resources, civil rights protections, and other critical services. Slashing half of the Department’s workforce isn’t just a bureaucratic shake-up; it’s a devastating blow to the millions who rely on these programs, including the AAPI community. The last time cuts like this were attempted, there was a massive backlash — for good reason. Gutting the very infrastructure that safeguards educational opportunity undermines the American dream and our nation's future prosperity,” said Varun Nikore, Executive Director of AAPI Victory Alliance.
We call on the Department of Education and the Trump Administration to reconsider these drastic measures, reinvest in educational support systems, and prioritize the needs of our nation's most vulnerable students. A strong, accessible education system is a pillar of democracy and must be protected at all costs, not dismantled by those seeking to profit off of our children’s futures.
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AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect these communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels.