WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- American University said on Wednesday that its School of Education is not closing despite discussion of its closure circulating online. Talk of the school's closure began circulating Wednesday morning after the D.C. community page, Washingtonian Problems, posted photos on X of an alleged email from American University's Dean for the School of Education, Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy. The reported email cited a university-wide deficit of over $60 million as the cause of the cuts. It also said the School of Education (SOE) would undergo "massive restricting" upon Holcomb-McCoy's departure and that the news parallels the "new administration's threat" to close down the U.S. Department of Education. "Discussions have occurred about whether the SOE may be relocated to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) again. This goes back to a model in which the autonomy of the school is decreased. Again, I'm saddened by this reality and even more disturbed that it's connected to my departure," the alleged email read, in part. ‘Tomorrow is going to be tough’: UVA community remembers deadly mass shooting 2 years later When asked about the potential closure on Wednesday morning, the university sent the following statement to DC News Now: There is no discussion about closing the School of Education (SOE). Discussions about restructuring SOE’s administrative framework are ongoing. But there is no discussion or change to its academic programs, offerings, or mission. Our commitment to the growth and success of the School of Education remains steadfast and strong. SOE’s programs, faculty, students, and staff are central to the university’s mission, and we are dedicated to providing the resources and support needed for this essential work to continue." American University