by: Tia McKenzie – WREG News, Memphis
Posted: Oct 14, 2025 / 05:00 AM CDT
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the government shutdown enters day 13, some are concerned about its overall impact on education.
Last Friday, thousands of federal workers across the U.S. were laid off, including those in the Education Department who oversee special education and civil rights enforcement.
President Trump blamed Democrats for his decision to lay off workers during the government shutdown, impacting those across almost every division.
Liz Marable, the president of the United Education Association of Shelby County, began her career in Education in 1983 with Memphis City Schools.
Marable says that with a lack of funding, schools could see cuts to food programs, changes in disability resources, and after-school initiatives.
She believes every child deserves a free and equitable education.
“We need better funding so we can have these smaller class sizes. I think you would see nothing short of miracles what we can do. As long as you continue to compare a private high school with 12 to 15 desk compared to a public high school with 35 seats in it, it’s going to be much more difficult work.”
And several groups like Professional Educators of Tennessee are working to spread awareness about the importance of education.
“Put our kids first. You know, they’re not thinking about the impact, the future impact this could have because it the impact is just not at present time. This will have impacts way into the future,” said Patrick Basnett with the Professional Educators of Tennessee.
Professional Educators of Tennessee say they will continue showing up at the Capitol in Nashville every session speaking to both sides of the aisle and advocating for students and teachers.
They encourage people to reach out to senators and representatives to see how you can get involved.
Labor unions representing federal workers have sued to stop the layoffs during a shutdown.
A federal judge is set to hear the case on October 15.
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