“This is the epicenter of something very important not just for Texas, but for everyone in this country, not just for everyone,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett said.
DALLAS – Rep. Jasmine Crockett joins other Texas legislators and urges the U.S. Department of Education to reverse its decision to close its Dallas regional office.
Offices housed in civil rights buildings play an important role in dealing with civil rights complaints, ensuring equal educational opportunities, and addressing issues such as disability rights.
“When we see civil rights…it’s much greater than race,” the lawmaker told us in Texas politics.
As a former civil rights lawyer, Crockett highlighted the wider impact of the closure of offices beyond Texas.
“This is the epicenter of something very important not only to Texas, but to everyone in this country, not just to everyone,” Crockett said.
Beyond the closure of the Dallas office, Crockett raised concerns about the reported plans for President Donald Trump to sign a restructuring of executive orders and to demolish the Department of Education. She emphasized that many Americans do not fully understand the role of the department.
“People think about student loans, but it’s much bigger,” Crockett explained. “When we talk about people who have access to higher education, it comes through the Ministry of Education.”
Crockett warned that elimination or weakening the department could disproportionately hurt low-income students and limit university opportunities to those who can afford tuition without financial assistance. She also highlighted the potential impact on school lunch programs that provide free or reduced meals to students in need.
Lawmakers also addressed concerns about the Department of Justice’s enforcement division, highlighting bipartisan efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and discussing the future of Congress.
