A demonstrator is seen near the Department of Education headquarters following the agency’s announcement of significant staff layoffs, potentially leading to its closure. This move comes as governmental bodies rush to comply with President Donald Trump’s deadline for submitting plans for another round of extensive layoffs. A lawsuit initiated by Democratic attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia alleges that the recent mass layoffs at the Department of Education are part of an unlawful effort by President Trump to dismantle the agency. The lawsuit contends that these layoffs are undermining Congressionally mandated functions of the department, rather than carrying them out as required.
The administration’s decision to terminate nearly half of the Department’s workforce, affecting around 1,300 employees within a 90-day period, has drawn criticism from the attorneys general. They argue that this action severely hampers key Department of Education offices established by Congress, such as the Office of Civil Rights, which is reportedly losing a significant portion of its staff as a result of the layoffs. The lawsuit also points out that the Reduction in Force is effectively eliminating other vital offices that collaborate on education matters, with immediate consequences like restricted access to grant distribution systems following the announcement.
The attorneys general warn that the reduction in Department of Education resources will have far-reaching negative impacts on the states and their residents, and they emphasize that the resulting harm cannot be easily prevented or ameliorated. The lawsuit, filed in a Massachusetts federal court, raises concerns about the potential devastating consequences of weakening the Department of Education.
Despite requests for comment, the Department of Education has not responded to media inquiries. In a separate lawsuit earlier this week, several attorneys general successfully obtained a court order halting a Trump administration plan to terminate grant funding aimed at addressing teacher shortages in K-12 schools. To stay updated on CNN news and newsletters, visit CNN.com to create an account.
