RICHMOND, Va. — A wave of reactions emerged from Virginia leaders following President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order on Thursday, March 20, aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The move, which has stirred strong opinions across the political spectrum, has sparked heated discussions about the future of education in the state and the nation.
Opposition from Democratic Leaders
U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) was quick to voice his concerns over the executive order. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Warner stressed that the priority for the nation should be ensuring every child receives a world-class education. He argued that the dismantling of the Department of Education directly undermines this goal, noting, “If there’s one thing that should bring us all together, it should be that American kids – no matter their zip code – get a world-class public education.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) also criticized the executive order, calling it harmful to students, educators, and the future workforce. In a statement before the order was signed, Scott warned that it would not only destabilize education systems but also push out experienced federal workers, replacing them with political appointees loyal to Trump. “This move will force more dedicated civil servants with invaluable institutional knowledge out of the federal government,” Scott said.
Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) voiced similar concerns in a video shared on social media, stating that the executive order could be devastating for Virginia’s public schools, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students with disabilities and those in rural communities.
Support from Republican Leaders
On the other side of the aisle, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) praised the move. Youngkin welcomed the shift of educational responsibility from the federal government to the states, describing it as an opportunity for Virginia to take control of K-12 education. “We are ready to take full responsibility for K-12 education,” Youngkin said in a statement shared by his office. “We have implemented a high-expectations agenda that sets rigorous standards and prioritizes resources to students and schools that need the most support.”
Youngkin’s sentiment was echoed by Virginia Board of Education President Grace Creasey, who argued that the executive order would reduce federal overreach and allow for more tailored, locally driven solutions. “Returning decision-making authority and funding to the states can foster innovation, accountability, and better educational outcomes,” Creasey stated, emphasizing the importance of empowering parents and local leaders to shape education policies.
A Divergent View on Education
Congressman John McGuire (R-Va.) also expressed his support for the executive order, using a post on X to highlight his belief that the Department of Education had focused too much on “woke ideology” and neglected core educational values. McGuire suggested that homeschooling, where students tend to perform above the national average, demonstrated the benefits of decentralizing education. “I agree with President Trump — we need to take the necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education,” McGuire wrote, suggesting that states and parents would be better equipped to make decisions about their children’s education.
Concerns About Long-Term Impact
Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Va.) was another strong critic, emphasizing that public education has long been a cornerstone of American democracy. Hashmi, who chairs the Senate Education and Health Committee and has a background in education, warned that dismantling the Department of Education would have far-reaching consequences. “The destruction of the US Department of Education has sweeping consequences on access to education, higher education affordability, and our nation’s ability to compete on the global scale in an increasingly complex world,” Hashmi said in an email statement. “I am ready to lead the fight in Virginia to safeguard our schools, colleges, and universities.”
The Road Ahead
As Virginia leaders continue to react to the executive order, the debate over federal involvement in education is far from over. While Republican officials argue that state control will lead to better outcomes and more local flexibility, Democrats are concerned that the move could exacerbate inequalities in the education system, particularly for disadvantaged students.
With the future of the Department of Education hanging in the balance, the decision could have a significant impact on the nation’s educational landscape for years to come. As the debate unfolds, it remains clear that education will continue to be a central issue in the political discourse of Virginia and beyond.
