In response to Thursday’s filing of a federal lawsuit from 21 attorneys general from across the nation challenging the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education,  Michigan Education Association President and CEO Chandra Madafferi; AFT-Michigan President Terrence Martin; Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators Executive Director Tina Kerr; Michigan Association of School Boards Executive Director Don Wotruba; and Abby Cypher, executive director of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, released the following joint statement:

“We strongly support the lawsuit to stop the unconstitutional dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. This move to destroy the Department of Education will be devastating for Michigan students with disabilities like autism, emotional and physical disabilities, as well as for students in low-income rural and urban schools.

“Every student in our state, regardless of where they live or how much money their family makes, deserves a great education that can prepare them for the jobs of the future. Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education would cause irreparable harm to hundreds of thousands of students across Michigan at a time when we should be giving our kids more support — not less.

“We urge educators, parents and community leaders of all political stripes to stand up and make their voices heard in opposition to these dangerous cuts.”