WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee on February 13 held a hearing on the nomination of Linda McMahon as U.S. Secretary of Education. They are expected to vote on the nomination on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has deep concerns about Linda McMahon’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Education.
NASW is a membership association for professional social workers. Many of our members work in schools, benefit from Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and are concerned about the President’s signaled desire to dismantle the Department of Education. Plans to dismantle the Department 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.
Linda McMahon’s lack of substantive education experience is cause for concern that she would not be able to meet the needs of American students, educators and families.
The education department is a civil rights agency responsible for advancing equal opportunity and protecting students from discrimination. 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.
School social workers work with students to ensure that they can thrive in their academic setting. School social workers are an integral link between school, home, and community in helping students achieve academic success. They work directly with school administrations as well as students and families, providing leadership in forming school discipline policies, mental health intervention, crisis management, and support services.
As part of an interdisciplinary team to help students succeed, school social workers also facilitate community involvement in the schools while advocating for student success. Dismantling the Department would put these services at risk.
NASW is deeply concerned that McMahon would aim to eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and even roll back critical safeguards that protect students and families when they are cheated by predatory schools. This would disproportionately harm working families with student debt and make the student loan debt crisis even worse.
Millions of Americans and working families across our nation are struggling to cover the rising cost of college and are financially crushed under the weight of the student loan debt crisis. NASW believes that public servants, such as social workers, should be able to do their jobs without dealing with crushing student loan debt. Borrowers deserve an Education Secretary that is committed to protecting their rights and ensuring that student debt is not a life sentence.
While NASW does not support the nomination of McMahon due to these concerns, we remain steadfast in our mission to advocate for policies that strengthen the social work profession and improve the lives of millions of Americans. Regardless of who holds the position of Education Secretary, NASW will:
- Engage with the Department of Education leadership to ensure that the voices of social workers are heard in policy decisions affecting education, including social work services and student loan debt relief.
- Advocate for robust funding for programs that support social workers and the communities they serve.
- Demand the department uphold civil rights of students and protect student loan debt relief programs.