Michigan Education Leaders Rally Against Threats From Trump Administration

DETROIT, Mich. — Education leaders in Michigan gathered Monday to urge policymakers to abandon traditional approaches and actively resist proposed changes from President Donald Trump’s administration. The proposed changes threaten public education funding, impacting students with disabilities and those from low-income communities.

The rallying cry came during a news conference involving several key figures, including state Representative Regina Weiss, D-Oak Park, Ferndale’s school board president, and the president of the Michigan branch of the American Federation of Teachers. Advocacy groups such as Equality Michigan, the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, and 482Forward were also present.

Michael Rice, the state superintendent of education, warned that the Trump administration’s rhetoric regarding local control of education may mask its true intent. “This is just the initial shot across the bow,” Rice said, highlighting concerns that Trump’s policies could jeopardize federal funding vital for students’ needs.

Despite the administration’s lack of specific proposals targeting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Title I funding, advocates remain anxious that cuts could occur. “I do not believe Trump is genuine in saying he wants to return control to localities,” Rice added. He fears that this administration might attempt to dictate how vulnerable students are served.

The potential for legislative changes looms large as Trump, still early in his term, has proposed a series of executive orders and policy changes that could radically reshape educational funding. The Michigan League for Public Policy noted that federal funding accounts for approximately $2.3 billion of the state’s educational budget, with around 15% of special education funding derived from the federal level.

Rachelle Crow-Hutcher, co-director of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition and a parent of two children with special education needs, emphasized the risks presented by possible funding cuts, stating, “My concern continues to be for the civil rights of all children protected by the Department of Education.”

Additionally, the shift towards private education models raises alarms among advocates. Molly Sweeney, director of organizing with 482Forward, expressed readiness to challenge any federal initiatives that might undermine public education, particularly those circumventing state constitutional protections against using public money for private education.

Like many advocates, Sweeney is also concerned for the rights of LGBTQ+ students amid proposals that could adversely affect their access to supportive services. Emme Zanotti, director of advocacy for Equality Michigan, noted that recent federal actions have created significant confusion among families needing clarity for their transgender children. “What we have seen in the last three weeks is the transgender community and our families being pitted between our neighbors and the services they need to get by,” Zanotti said.

With the federal education agenda potentially evolving in the coming months, advocates have vowed to mobilize against efforts they believe would threaten public education. “We’re not afraid to file lawsuits with anyone else willing to protect Michigan’s constitution regarding public funds,” Sweeney added.