Mark Takano Urges Civil Servants to 'Stand Your Ground' Against Department of Education Closure

Defense of the Civil Service

• 🏛️ Federal employees are urged to resist incentives to leave their positions, particularly those in the Department of Education.
• 💡 Many federal employees believe their duty is to protect students and uphold the integrity of their roles.
• 📜 The Civil Service was established on merit, not spoils, dating back to reforms in the 1880s under Chester Arthur, to prevent a system where leaders reward friends and punish enemies.
• 🚫 Destroying the Civil Service risks turning the government into an instrument of an autocratic leader and undermining democracy and freedom.

The Origin of the Closure Push

• 🚩 The movement to close the Department of Education originated from groups like Moms of Liberty in Florida.
• 📣 These groups have been vocal at school board meetings, advocating for book bans and opposing LGBTQ+ inclusion and the teaching of black history.
• 🗣️ President Trump adopted this stance, questioning the necessity of the Department of Education and suggesting these groups should dictate curriculum.

Oath and Duty

• ⚖️ Civil servants are reminded to obey their oath to the Constitution and laws of the country.
• ✊ They are encouraged to stand their ground and not yield to pressure to dismantle the department.
• 🗓️ This conversation about the Department of Education's role and potential closure has been ongoing for approximately 12 years, including during Trump's first term.