Statement from NAfME on U.S. Department of Education Staffing Cuts

Dear NAfME member,

Like you, we too are deeply concerned about yesterday’s announcement regarding the significant staffing reduction at the U.S. Department of Education. We are watching these developments closely, and share your concerns about what it could mean for public education, arts education, federal funding, and protections for students and teachers.

While this action signals a significant shift, it’s important to remember that fully dismantling a federal agency requires congressional approval. We don’t yet know what shape the U.S. Department of Education may ultimately take, but we do know this: We will stand with you, we will fight for you, and we will continue advocating for music educators and students every step of the way.

NAfME, along with our partners in the Arts Education Alliance, have signed onto the Department of Education Protection Act (H.R. 433), a bill that aims to shield the U.S. Department of Education from efforts to dismantle the agency by prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to decentralize, reduce the staffing level of, or alter the functionality of the Department.

Music education is not expendable. As has been repeatedly demonstrated in the research, systematic instruction in music in school settings is critical in student learning. It helps young people develop empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for life. As important, it engages the entire brain in ways that are unique to music, especially during the school-aged years. Any restructuring of the U.S. Department of Education must not come at the cost of student access to the arts or the professional standing of music educators.

Now is a critical moment for all of us to raise our voices, and one area is in support of sustained federal funding for arts education. Congress is considering cuts to education funding—including funding for the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program. We encourage you to contact your legislators and urge their continued support for the AAE program and Title funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act that helps ensure access for a well-rounded education.

We will continue to provide updates as more details emerge. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the policies shaping the future of education support and protect music educators and their students.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Locking arms and standing together, we will keep music education strong.