NASW Opposed Nomination of Linda McMahon as Education Leader

In Brief

The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted to confirm Linda McMahon as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year.

McMahon, a former professional wrestling magnate who led the U.S. Small Business Administration during President Donald Trump’s first term, was confirmed by a 51-45 vote along party lines. Before her confirmation, NASW issued a statement opposing her nomination.

The association noted that many of its members work in schools that benefit from Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Plans to dismantle the Department of Education would wreak havoc on millions of students and families relying on a strong public education system and struggling to pay for college and managing their student debt, NASW said.

“The education department is a civil rights agency responsible for advancing equal opportunity and protecting students from discrimination,” the statement says. “It ensures that students with physical and/or developmental disabilities receive a free and appropriate education. Any attempts to dismantle it through executive action will put this promise at risk.”

NASW said it is deeply concerned that McMahon would aim to eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and even roll back critical safeguards that protect students and families when they are cheated by predatory schools.