PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 4, 2025 − On Friday, April 4, elected officials, civil rights advocates, and education leaders gathered at Martin Luther King High School to commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination and sound the alarm on coordinated efforts by the federal government to dismantle public education and defund equity initiatives.
The event, organized by State Senators Art Haywood (D-4) and Vincent Hughes (D-7), called out President Trump’s recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and the administration’s threats to cut federal funding to schools unless diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are eliminated. These moves, advocates argue, are an attack on civil rights and an insult to Dr. King’s lifelong fight for justice and dignity.
“Just as an assassin’s bullet tried to end Dr. King’s dream in 1968, these attacks on education funding and DEI programs seek to do the same today,” said Senator Art Haywood. “We are here to say enough. Every child deserves dignity in the classroom and a real chance to thrive—regardless of race, ability, or zip code. Defunding our future is not an option.”
“We came together on this day, the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King, because we should not lose this moment or this day in American history,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “Dr. King fought for equality and justice, and we are raising our voices today to stand up for the same things. We are fighting against the elimination of the Department of Education and public education funding, and at the same time calling out the need for more investments in our public schools and the education of our young people.”
The press conference included remarks from:
- Senator Art Haywood
- Senator Vincent Hughes
- Cathy Hicks, President, Philadelphia NAACP
- US Congresswoman Madeleine Dean
- Representative Andre Carroll
- LeShawna Coleman, Chief of Staff, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
- Councilwoman Cindy Bass
- Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First
- Margie Wakelin, Senior Attorney, Education Law Center
The U.S. Department of Education provides billions in support to Pennsylvania schools—including funding for special education, vocational training, teacher development, and higher education aid. Without these resources, countless families would be left behind, including those Senator Haywood recently met with who fear their children with disabilities won’t receive the support they need to learn and grow.
“Dr. King once said education must prepare us for ‘quick, resolute and effective thinking,’” said Senator Haywood. “Stripping our schools of support and silencing efforts to see and serve all children equally is a step backward. It dishonors King’s legacy and puts our children’s future at risk.”
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