The Center Denounces DOE Dismantling: A Direct Attack on America’s Queer & Trans Youth and Civil Rights Protections

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 20, 2025—Following news of President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education—threatening civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ youth—Joe Hollendoner, Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO, issued the following statement:

“The Los Angeles LGBT Center vehemently decries President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a dangerous move that threatens the rights, safety, and futures of millions of LGBTQ+ youth.

This is a calculated attempt to dismantle the very institution responsible for upholding federal civil rights protections, including Title IX in schools. These protections have been critical in protecting LGBTQ+ students, as well as other protected classes, from discrimination, harassment, and violence. Without the DOE, there would be no federal oversight ensuring that queer and trans youth have equal access to safe, affirming, and supportive learning environments.

At a time when LGBTQ+ youth are already under attack across the country—from book bans to anti-trans sports restrictions—this latest attempt to strip away protections is textbook cruelty. Without federal oversight, states hostile to LGBTQ+ rights would be emboldened to roll back protections, leading to increased bullying, forced outing, and even the denial of basic educational opportunities for queer students. This move further jeopardizes federal funding for programs that support LGBTQ+ youth, including lifesaving suicide prevention efforts, mental health services, and anti-bullying initiatives.

Furthermore, gutting the DOE will send class sizes soaring, make higher education even more expensive, and take away special education services for students with disabilities. The Center stands with our nation’s educators, students, and advocates in opposing this dangerous order. We urge lawmakers, community leaders, and every individual who believes in equality to fight back against this attack on public education and civil rights.”

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About the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org