As part of their Lenten Action Series, ELCA Advocacy is reflecting on national budget priorities. Their most recent focus is on supporting schools, universities, and students.
Recent information confirms that the Department of Education (DOE) has experienced a 50% staff reduction under the new administration. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has been tasked with ultimately shutting down the DOE, with plans to disperse its functions across various federal departments. Additionally, the Continuing Resolution budget signed on March 15, 2025, reduced the K-12 Innovation and Improvement account by $88 million, with proposals for much larger cuts—potentially up to $330 billion over ten years—still under consideration in a future reconciliation bill.
“Federal oversight provides states with universal academic expectations. Without this collective standard, states can teach subjects differently, and special education services in particular, can and most likely will be given less support,” said the Rev. Janelle Hooper, ELCA Program Manager, Ministry with Children, and ELCA Liaison to ELCA Schools & Learning Centers (ELEA). ELEA shared “Clarification in Regard to Dept. of Education Cuts” (3/24/25) which contains more information.
These actions threaten educational equity and access, particularly for low-income students and children with disabilities. Major reductions have already occurred in critical areas including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student loans office, Office of Civil Rights and data collection functions. Effective implementation of education programs requires proper oversight and adequate funding. Churches and synods have helped support the creation of ELCA schools and Lutheran universities for generations, which may be impacted by these cuts. Rather than cutting education funding for low-income students and college applicants, Congress should consider innovative ways to support schools and educators that are working hard to help students who are falling behind.
“Because children are God’s gifts to society and the Church as well as to parents, society through government also has responsibility and authority to provide for young people’s education,” says the ELCA social statement Our Calling in Education. Also, “All people share the need and responsibility to be educated in civil righteousness and the matters of earthly life,” which affirms our human dignity and contributes to community well-being. In the Lutheran tradition, education is a core component of informing our vocation as Christians – to instruct and form good disciples to live out our calling in the world. As disciples of Christ, we can advocate for building up the common good, recognizing education as essential for full participation in society.
Resources provided by the Department of Education are especially close to Bishop Satterlee’s heart as he shared his personal experience in his letter on March 20, 2025. We invite you to read that letter and consider raising your voice for educational justice during this crucial time.
ELCA Advocacy is providing a way to share a customized message to your congressman using the ELCA Action Center as Congress moves toward decisions on budget reconciliation.