LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Protests erupted across Louisville on March 19, 2025, as dozens of teachers, parents, students, and advocates rallied outside schools in a unified stand against President Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). Over 60 events, collectively dubbed walk-ins, took place across Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) over the span of three days, highlighting the deep concerns within the community regarding the potential dismantling of essential education funding.
At the J. Graham Brown School in downtown Louisville, many carried signs reading “Protect our students and families,” showcasing their commitment to maintaining financial support for public education. “Today we stand together that our schools are funded at every level because that’s what our kids deserve,” stated Maddie Shepard, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, who passionately spoke at the rally. Shepard emphasized that every public school relies on federal funding that underpins vital programs, noting, “This funding pays for things like special education services, Title I services for our most under-resourced communities, and the schools in them.”
Participation extended beyond educators. Autumn Neagle, Kentucky State PTA President-elect, expressed concerns regarding her daughter’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the looming implications of funding cuts. “I don’t need her to struggle more. I need her to have the help she needs,” Neagle remarked, underscoring the fears many parents are grappling with in light of the proposed changes.
According to a Kentucky Center for Economic Policy report, Kentucky school districts have received approximately $546 million in grants from the DOE in 2025, a significant sum that directly affects the quality of education delivered in schools statewide. Of this amount, $274 million is earmarked for Title I funding aimed at supporting low-income students, $182 million for special education through the IDEA program, and $42 million for training teachers via Title II funding. Community members emphasized their belief that without this essential financial backing, the futures of countless students would be put at risk.
The pressure on the DOE is not just a Kentucky issue; it resonates with similar emotions from educators nationwide. “We cannot meet our children's needs without funding,” said Sarah Yost, an academic instructional coach who was present among the throngs protesting. “This is about protecting our kids, all our kids.”
At other rally sites, like Eastern High School and Minors Lane Elementary, similar sentiments echoed. Stephen Johnson, a teacher at Eastern, added, “It’s more than just the pencils and the dry erase markers. This is our kids’ futures and their future careers... This is what we’re fighting for.” Meanwhile, Nicole Humphrey, president of the Jefferson County Association of Education Support Personnel, stressed that the potential cuts could be “very devastating, not only to our students but also to our workforce.”
The backdrop of these protests is particularly stark, as last week the DOE was reported to have laid off half of its employees, with further structural cuts anticipated. Starting March 21, about 50% of the DOE workforce will be placed on administrative leave, intensifying fears within the educational community. Advocates argue that without enough staff to facilitate the dissemination of funds, many districts, especially those in rural areas, could be left scrambling.
Federal grants currently account for approximately $1.00 in every $5.00 in Kentucky school district budgets, directly impacting essential programs. This critical funding has been a lifeline for districts, particularly for supporting programs that ensure equitable access for all students, including those with special needs. Kumar Rashad, Vice President of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, voiced similar concerns, stating, “If funding is cut, then those who get federal student aid...those with bright minds are going.”
The ramifications of these budget cuts are serious. Districts in Kentucky rely heavily on federal funding, with some rural areas receiving as much as 44% of their budgets from such sources. This is particularly concerning for communities like Owsley County, where federal budgets account for nearly half of all educational financing.
The protests reflect a broader national outcry against Trump’s proposals to transfer educational power to states and provide funding for private education, a move that many believe will undermine public schooling. Though Trump has made comments regarding the DOE's future and the potential for dismantling it, federal law stipulates that Congress must approve such changes, leaving advocates hopeful that legislative action can prevent any drastic shifts.
As the rallies unfold over this pivotal week, community members remain resolute. They are not merely fighting against proposed cuts; they are advocating for the heart of education itself, emphasizing that their voices must be heard. “I need every student to get what they need from the school system. You can’t do that if you take that away,” Neagle concluded, a sentiment that resonates as the push for educational equality and support marches forward into the coming days.
