On March 19, 2025, supporters across the D.C. area joined together for a series of coordinated walk-ins to protest looming cuts at the U.S. Department of Education. These walk-ins, organized by the National Education Association (NEA) and other educational advocates, aimed to draw attention to the potential impact of dismantling the Department of Education amid planned layoffs and budget cuts.
One notable rally took place in Takoma Park, Maryland, where parents, teachers, and students gathered at Takoma Park Middle School just after 7:30 a.m. Attendees proudly displayed signs that read, “Protect our Public Schools” and chanted phrases like “Feed our students, not the rich.” The enthusiasm of the crowd underscored their commitment to public education. Special education teacher Teri Kanu stated, “I want to make sure that everyone knows that public schools matter, our students matter, and the work that we are doing as educators in our schools and our communities is a value. A strong education system builds a strong community.”
The rally drew support from Montgomery County Council member Will Jawando, who spoke passionately about the department’s Office of Civil Rights. He shared a personal experience about filing a federal civil rights complaint against Montgomery County Public Schools regarding magnet program admissions a decade ago. “That’s why we need the U.S. Department of Education,” said Jawando, emphasizing the importance of equitable education.
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, another walk-in event unfolded at Union High School, showcasing similar concerns. Teachers, parents, and students convened at 7 a.m. before classes started, united against the Trump administration’s cuts to the Department of Education. These cuts have significantly reduced the department’s workforce, with layoffs affecting nearly half of its employees. Approximately 1,950 out of the original 4,133 staff were let go, raising alarms about the future of educational support in the community. State Representative Carol Glanville (D-84th District) highlighted the urgency of the situation: “So many people have been asking me recently, 'What can I do?' As they're watching things at the federal level, they feel disconnected from what's going on and powerless in many ways.” Glanville noted, “The walk-ins are the perfect example of both civil disobedience and obedience.”
In Louisville, Kentucky, the Jefferson County Teachers Association led another walk-in at the J. Graham Brown School, garnering support from local education leaders, parents, and students. This demonstration also aimed to oppose the efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Maddie Shepard, President of the JCTA, pointed out that a significant portion of the Jefferson County Public Schools budget—19%—comes from federal funding. The potential cuts threaten vital programs such as Title I for low-income students, special education funding, and necessary lunch programs, risking nearly $500 million for Kentucky schools. Shepard stated, “I don't know how they would survive,” emphasizing the dire consequences of cuts to federal funding.
In a parallel event in Portland, activists gathered at Deering High School and Rowe Elementary School to participate in their own walk-ins. These gatherings were organized as a response to the NEA’s nationwide call to action. Amid broader concerns about how the proposed cuts would affect special education, many participants called for greater community and governmental support. The urgency of their message rang true as fourth-grader EJ shared her thoughts: “As a kid, I don't really know a lot about the government, but what I do know is that right now, they're trying to take money away from schools. I think we should stand together and let them know this is something we don't want to happen.”
Kristen Bartholomew, a local parent, expressed her pride in the community's effort to stand together: “To see our community come together, the students with their signs, parents, teachers -- those are the things we want to keep going. Like we said, it's not just a moment but a movement.” Another parent, Lara Rosen, emphasized the importance of resources for effective education: “It's really critical that we all stand up and say that we need public education and resources to be able to have our kids be great members of their community.”
As the nationwide walk-ins galvanized attention, the message became clear—those involved demanded protection for their schools and students amid the proposed cuts. Advocates recounted alarming narratives of how communities deal with the absence of federal education support, particularly for low-income households and students with disabilities. President Trump’s administration has made it evident they intend to send education responsibilities to state levels, which raised fears regarding systemic inequities that could widen as a result.
Advocates argue that significant cuts to the Department of Education could harm vulnerable populations disproportionately, further entrenching educational disparities within U.S. schools. As the protests unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the consequences of these budget cuts would extend far beyond statistics, affecting the lives and futures of students nationwide.
The future of federal education funding thus hangs in the balance as educators, parents, and students unite to protect public schools. Their collective voices emphasize a call for action that cannot be ignored, showcasing a strong commitment to preserving educational resources and advocating for equity in the classroom. The nationwide walk-ins observed on March 19 are just the beginning of a movement that demands accountability and reinforces the vital role education plays in building a cohesive society.
