Statement From IHEP President Mamie Voight on Mass Layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education
Published Mar 12, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC (March 12, 2025) – Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) President & CEO Mamie Voight released the following statement regarding mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education:
“The Trump Administration’s latest short-sighted move to hollow out U.S. Department of Education staff and resources is an alarming turning point sure to take our country in the wrong direction.
“For 50 years, America has made education a federal priority by delivering vital federal aid such as Pell Grants and other supports to students. The uncertainty caused by the mass layoffs could impact core aid functions and leave students and families in the lurch. If students can’t access the federal aid necessary to enroll in high-value college programs, they may be forced to pause their studies, or worse yet, never enroll or return at all.
“Federal education efforts also include developing policies and administering grants aimed at improving student success and leading high-quality data collections that shine a light on student outcomes—data collections the federal government is uniquely situated to conduct. Policymakers, states, institutions and researchers alike depend on Education Department data to better understand who gets into college, who earns a degree or credential, and how students pay for their education. The effects of recent data and research contract cancellations are still reverberating, especially among educators and policymakers eager to develop evidence-based programs and solutions. Starving the agency of even more basic resources will inevitably halt future attempts at evidence-based policymaking that supports student success.
“All federal agencies should run effectively and efficiently because when government functions well, people and communities get the support they need. But these latest Education Department actions run counter to efficiency. What’s worse, these cuts are being rolled out without clear plans to address the pressing challenges many students face including affordability and timely credential completion.
“If we are to maintain American competitiveness globally, education must remain a national priority. States and communities nationwide are stronger when all people can access resources to learn, build skills, and earn credentials. These recent cuts do exactly the opposite by diminishing our national commitment to education. We stand ready to partner with leaders committed to pursuing policy solutions that help students succeed in college and beyond. Our students and our country deserve nothing less.”
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