Students, Teachers Hold ‘Study-In’ to Protest Education Department Closure

Protesters and supporters said they fear axing the Department of Education will hurt learning outcomes.

Protesters from Sunrise Movement hold a "study-in" outside the Education Department building one day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing the agency's scope, in Washington on March 21, 2025. Courtesy of Sunrise Movement

WASHINGTON—Students, educators, and supporters gathered outside the Department of Education building on Friday morning to protest the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the agency.

The event, billed as a “study-in,” began at 10 a.m. with students reading and doing homework at desks lined up in front of the building, followed by a rally in the afternoon.