ACLU to Host Community Forum Urging Rep. Mackenzie to Protect Equal Access to Education and Oppose Cuts in the FY26 Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Bill

Bethlehem, Pa. — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of Pennsylvania will host a Community Forum on Thursday, September 25th, urging Representative Ryan Mackenzie to reject cuts to education that would disproportionately impact Pennsylvanians, particularly students from low-income and rural communities.

As the federally elected representative of Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and member of the Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Mackenzie must use his voice and stand against cuts to education.

WHO: Carol Yannity, NEA Director; Elizabeth Lester-Abdallah, JD, Women’s Law Project; Sherry Luce, Red Wine & Blue; TBD, School Counselor (Sherry is reaching out to a contact)

Representative Ryan Mackenzie has been invited to attend.

WHAT: A Community Forum on Protecting Education and Civil Rights

Hosted by ACLU of Pennsylvania and partners

WHEN: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM

WHERE: Steelworkers Union Local 2599, Van Bittner Memorial Hall, President’s Room | 53 Lehigh Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

WHY: Over $706M in public education funding is on the line in Pennsylvania. Cuts to education in the budget bill for fiscal year 2026 would eliminate critical federal support that Pennsylvania relies on to provide resources and services to pre K-12 students; dismantle the federal office that enforces civil rights protections, leaving Pennsylvania students with nowhere to file discrimination complaints; and threaten access to quality learning environments and deny thousands of students, particularly those from low income and rural communities, the support they need. It’s critical that members of Congress take a public stand. This community forum provides constituents a platform to be heard and demand action.

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