Why This Matters Right Now

The Trump Administration's proposed FY2027 budget slashes $7.3 billion from crucial Federal funding for public schools. 

Essential Federal programs including English Language Acquisition and Migrant Education are being eliminated. 

When schools lose more funding, it means larger class sizes, fewer teachers, less individual attention, and cuts to afterschool programs, sports, special needs supports and more.

During the 2024-2025 school year alone, there were 6,870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 public school districts. This is the highest in US history.

Many bills have been introduced in multiple states to restrict teaching about race, gender, LGBTQ+ identity, and U.S. history.

The ACLU sued Wentzville R-IV School District in Missouri after officials removed library books by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ authors.

In Oklahoma, HB 1775 restricts classroom discussions on race and gender, leading teachers and students to report self-censorship and a chilling effect on learning.

Schools across the U.S. have blocked access to LGBTQ+ support websites, prompting lawsuits over unconstitutional internet filtering that violates students’ rights.

Reports from FIRE (2020–2024) document 1,014 cases where students faced punishment for speech that is legally protected under the First Amendment.