On March 15, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) was honored with the Friend of Higher Education Award at the National Education Association’s (NEA) Higher Education Conference. The recognition highlights her dedication to protecting and strengthening the education sector, which is currently facing significant challenges, including budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration.
In her acceptance speech, Jayapal emphasized the critical role of education in democracy, stating, “It was an honor to join educators from across the country at the NEA Higher Education Conference and to receive their Friend of Higher Education Award. Education is the foundation of our democracy, and I will always fight to protect it.”
Her recognition comes amid growing concerns over funding cuts and policy shifts impacting higher education, reinforcing the importance of advocacy for accessible, well-funded educational institutions.
