RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Governor’s Office Release) – Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia education leaders expressed support Thursday for an Executive Order issued by President Trump that returns education to states.
The Executive Order directs U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all steps within her authority to return education to the states and requires her to ensure all recipients of federal education dollars are properly following all federal civil rights laws and administration policy, effectively ending all taxpayer support for DEI and institutions that use race and sex as a deciding factor in policies and procedures,” according to Youngkin’s office.
“Virginia is ready to take full responsibility for K-12 education. We have implemented a high-expectations agenda that sets rigorous standards, holds schools accountable for results and prioritizes resources to the students and schools that need the most support,” said Governor Youngkin. “We welcome the federal government’s shift of responsibility to the states—and we are grateful that President Trump’s executive order does just that. The EO also makes it clear that there will be no discrimination in the classrooms. We will continue to ensure every student graduates career-, college-, or military-ready.”
“Virginians know best what Virginia students need and what works here in Virginia, and accordingly, we should be both responsible and accountable for results to the families of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “The President’s Executive Order ensures that federal dollars will arrive in Virginia with less red tape and bureaucracy and allow the State Board of Education, Virginia Department of Education, and local school divisions to invest those resources in the most efficient and effective ways that lead to the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes.”
“President Trump’s executive order to return education leadership to the states empowers parents and reduces federal overreach,” said Virginia Board of Education President Grace Creasey. “For too long, bureaucrats in Washington have dictated one-size-fits-all policies that fail to address the unique needs of the Commonwealth’s students and schools. Returning decision-making authority and funding to the states can foster innovation, accountability, and better educational outcomes. This is about putting parents and state and local leaders back in charge of education.”
US Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) issued this statement after the President signed his executive order:
“Everyone knows that economic success in America begins with a good education, whether that be a four-year degree or a stellar K-12 experience and high-quality career and technical programs. President Trump’s executive order to gut the U.S. Department of Education underscores how out of touch he is with students, parents, and educators. This order will have negative impacts on every student and harm our economic growth and competitiveness. It will cut off critical funding for K-12 schools, make it harder for students with disabilities to access educational opportunities, and hinder students’ ability to access higher education and job training. We should be investing more in younger generations, not less, and I will fight to ensure every student—regardless of their zip code—can continue to receive the high-quality education they deserve.”
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