Subscribe
Donate
Donate
  • Press Release
  • September 30, 2025
  • Oakland, CA

California Must Lead: New Report Urges State Action to Counter Federal Education Rollbacks

Coalition of Organizations Urge California to Pursue Proactive Measures to Protect Students from the Federal Government’s Retreat on Education

Share

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact

Dan Lijana, (510) 879-6202
[email protected]

OAKLAND, CA — A new report released today by EdTrust-West, endorsed by over 30 leading education, civil rights, and immigrant justice organizations, calls on California to take bold, proactive steps to protect students from sweeping federal threats to funding, civil rights, and educational equity. The report, “Taking the Reins: California’s Leadership in the Wake of Federal Injustice,” outlines practical and urgent actions that state and local governments can take to safeguard students.

“California has the tools to shield students from the federal government’s retreat on education,” said Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, executive director of EdTrust-West. “We don’t need to wait for the damage — we have the authority and the responsibility to lead. By stepping up now, state and local leaders can stabilize funding and ensure all students have access to a safe, fair, and high-quality public education.”

The report highlights key areas where California can lead and details strategies for action:

  • Preserve Students’ Civil Rights: Codifying federal protections for vulnerable students into state law.
  • Expand Education Funding: Raising state revenue to offset federal cuts and ensure equitable distribution.
  • Protect Marginalized Students: Providing funding, services, and guidance to protect the civil and educational rights of undocumented and mixed-status families.
  • Invest in Financial Aid: Expanding state aid and tuition equity programs to preserve college access and success.
  • Support Students Underserved by the Education System: Investing in and defending programs and institutions that serve underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

“California must act now to shield our students and families from the education policies coming out of Washington,” said Dr. Ryan E. Alcantara, interim president and CEO of Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE). We must do everything within our power to ensure programs that support our most vulnerable students are fully funded and that the civil rights of our families are protected. That’s why EdTrust-West’s call to action is so critical. California’s leaders must answer the call to protect families now.”

The report warns of five threats posed by the federal government’s dismantling of education infrastructure and what it could mean for California students.

  • Abolition of the U.S. Department of Education
  • Drastic cuts to federal education funding
  • Undermining civil and educational rights
  • Slashing student financial aid programs
  • Attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives

“Cuts to education funding are already putting essential after-school programs at risk, said Mark Gaskins, co-founder of The Village Method, a community-based grassroots organization providing youth development and family engagement programming. “We need local government to step up and provide leadership to bridge the gap.”

The report will be accompanied by a virtual roundtable on October 28 at 1:30 p.m. (PST) featuring policy experts, advocates, and endorsing organizations. More details on the roundtable are forthcoming.
About EdTrust-West

EdTrust-West is an evidence-driven advocacy organization committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in California’s education system. For over two decades, EdTrust-West has worked to improve racial equity in education by engaging diverse communities and increasing political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners will thrive. For more information, see www.edtrustwest.org.