Zeta Phi Beta Issues Statement Opposing Trump’s Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has issued a statement firmly opposing President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, calling the move a direct threat to educational equity and access.

In a letter on behalf of the organization’s 130,000 members, International President & CEO Dr. Stacie NC Grant reaffirmed Zeta Phi Beta’s commitment to education and intellectual empowerment, stating: “We firmly believe that access to quality education is a fundamental right, not a privilege.” The organization condemned the executive order as a “direct attack” on marginalized communities, warning that it would disproportionately harm students with disabilities, first-generation college students, and underfunded school districts.

Zeta Phi Beta also voiced concerns over the planned reduction of half of the Department of Education’s workforce, calling the move “unprecedented” and a dangerous step toward eliminating a federal agency established by Congress in 1979. The organization warned that dismantling the department would jeopardize critical protections and resources, reversing decades of progress toward educational equity. Additionally, the decision raises concerns about the broader implications of bypassing congressional authority, setting what the organization describes as a “dangerous precedent”for the role of government in supporting education.

In response, Zeta Phi Beta has announced a nationwide mobilization effort to fight against the executive order. The organization plans to engage in legislative advocacy by working with congressional leaders to oppose any efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Through its national network of chapters, the sorority will host educational forums, voter education initiatives, and advocacy workshops to inform and empower communities. Additionally, the organization is prioritizing coalition-building, working with educators, advocacy groups, HBCUs, and policymakersto ensure that the issue remains a key part of the national discourse. Recognizing the power of voting, Zeta Phi Beta is also activating its GET ENGAGED™ initiative to mobilize voters and ensure that leaders who prioritize education are elected.

Emphasizing that “ensuring equitable access to education is not a partisan issue—it is a national priority,” Zeta Phi Beta is urging policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders to stand firm against the executive order. The organization is calling for immediate action, encouraging individuals to contact representatives, attend town halls, and advocate for the protection of public education.

“The future of our children, our schools, and our communities depends on the actions we take today,” the statement concludes. “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will not stand idly by as decades of progress in education are threatened.”

For further dialogue and partnership on this issue, the sorority encourages inquiries at getengaged@zphib.org. Read the full statement here.