INDIANAPOLIS – State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis), ranking minority member of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee, is warning Hoosiers about the devastating consequences of President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (D.O.E). Ford says the move threatens the foundation of public education in America, and Indiana will feel the impact.

“If you care about public schools, if you care about kids with disabilities, if you care about making sure every child, no matter where they live, has a fair shot at success, then you should be sounding every alarm,” Ford said. “This isn’t just policy. This is a direct attack on the future of our students, our teachers and our communities.”

Ford also criticized Governor Mike Braun for attending the signing ceremony in Washington, D.C., instead of focusing on Indiana’s pressing education challenges.

“Instead of addressing Indiana’s school funding, our teacher shortage or the mental health struggles of our students, Gov. Braun is in D.C. applauding an executive order that will rip millions of dollars away from our schools,” Ford said. “If history has shown us anything, it’s that when Trump makes a move like this, Braun is right behind him. And if he tries to dismantle the Indiana Department of Education next, Hoosiers need to be ready.”

What’s at Stake 

Since its creation in 1979, the D.O.E. has played a critical role in ensuring that students—regardless of income, background or ability—have access to the resources they need to succeed. Eliminating the department would:

  • Cut Title I funding for public schools that serve low-income students.

  • Defund special education services by slashing Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding, which helps students with disabilities receive the support they are entitled to by law.

  • End oversight of civil rights protections, leaving students vulnerable to discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

  • Strip support for career and technical education programs, which help students prepare for high-paying jobs in industries that power Indiana’s economy.

“This isn’t about ‘empowering states.’ It’s about eliminating accountability and abandoning students who rely on these resources the most,” Ford said. “The federal government plays a crucial role in education—stepping in where states fall short, ensuring schools serve every child and keeping political agendas from dictating who gets access to a quality education. Without it, states like Indiana are left to pick up the pieces, and let’s be honest—that’s not going to happen under this administration.”

Why Every Hoosier Should Care 

Ford is calling on parents, teachers, students and all Hoosiers to take action before it’s too late.

“Public education isn’t a political pawn—it’s the foundation of our country. If we don’t act now, the damage will be irreversible,” Ford said. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect our schools, and I need every single Hoosier—Democrats, Republicans and independents—to stand up, speak out and demand better. Because once they take this away, they aren’t giving it back.”