LAUSD board unanimously opposes transfer of U.S. Department of Education functions, cites risks to civil rights and special education

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board voted unanimously Jan. 27 to adopt a resolution opposing the transfer of core functions from the U.S. Department of Education to other federal agencies. Board members said such moves would fragment oversight of Title I, civil rights enforcement and special education, and could disrupt funding and services on which high-need students depend.

Board member Miss Newell, who introduced the measure, said prior transfers have produced operational failures and delays. “Expanding these transfers would only increase confusion, reduce oversight, and place educational programs in agencies that lack the expertise or infrastructure to administer them,” she said. Anthony Regina, a district representative for State Senator Lena Gonzalez, spoke in support of the resolution on the senator's behalf.

Supporters argued the district's size and diversity make it particularly vulnerable to federal policy changes, and urged Congress to remain the bulwark for education policy. Dr. Rivas and other co-sponsors said the resolution is intended to protect Title I funding, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) enforcement, and other federal safeguards for historically underserved students.

The motion passed after board members from across the political spectrum signed on as co-sponsors. Board President Schmelson and Dr. Rivas described the vote as an assertion of the district's responsibility to defend students'civil-rights protections.

The resolution calls on Congress to safeguard the mission of the U.S. Department of Education and for local leaders to coordinate with state and federal lawmakers to ensure continued funding and enforcement of federal education programs.