Senate Democrats led by Padilla condemn OELA dissolution as unlawful

Senator Alex Padilla led 21 Senate Democrats in condemning OELA's dissolution, arguing it violated the Department of Education Organization Act and federal law protecting English learner rights. The senators expressed concern that moving Title III programs to different offices would lose critical expertise and federal oversight, putting 5 million English learners at risk. Former OELA Director Montserrat Garibay warned the transition could weaken federal enforcement of English learner protections. (Education Week, Apr. 14, 2026)