Thousands of educators, parents, families, students, and community leaders gathered nationwide to express their concerns to federal, state, and local elected officials. The events took the form of walk-ins held across the country to advocate for strong public schools and necessary protections for students and communities.
National Education Association President Becky Pringle addressed participants at a walk-in event at Takoma Park Middle School. She said, “Most of us believe every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns. Every student in every community across the nation will be impacted by Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s extreme efforts to dismantle public schools to pay for tax handouts for billionaires.”
Pringle highlighted concerns that changes could lead to increased class sizes, reduced job training programs, higher education costs becoming prohibitive for middle-class families, removal of special education services for students with disabilities, and weakened student civil rights protections.
Walk-ins are organized as positive actions where various stakeholders gather before school starts to discuss aspirations for schools and communities. These gatherings can celebrate achievements or protest against unfavorable conditions or policies.
Since taking office, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been criticized for actions perceived as detrimental to public schools. This includes ending critical research into student learning and reducing Department of Education staff significantly. Critics argue these moves undermine access to educational programs and resources.
Pringle concluded by emphasizing collective action: “Together, we will protect our students and our communities. We won’t let anyone hurt our students or take away opportunities from our families so Trump and Musk can ensure billionaires continue paying less in taxes than educators, nurses, or firefighters.” She added that the efforts would continue beyond today’s events.
The National Education Association represents over 3 million professionals in education sectors across the United States.
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