WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, typically known for enforcing disability services in schools across America, has taken on a more prominent role in President Donald Trump’s political agenda. Trump-appointed officials have put a pause on numerous pending cases and initiated new investigations in line with the president’s campaign promises. Career staff members have been marginalized and pressured to resign, while those who remain are being directed to shift their focus to antisemitism, transgender issues, and anti-DEI complaints.
A memo released on Friday by the chief of the civil rights office declared that antisemitism cases are now the top priority, targeting colleges where pro-Palestinian protests have led to accusations of anti-Jewish bias. This announcement followed a decision to cut federal funding to Columbia University after immigration officials arrested a Palestinian activist involved in student protests.
The office’s traditional focus on cases such as students with disabilities in need of services or students facing harassment due to their race now hangs in the balance. While new presidential administrations typically pause civil rights cases during transitions, the freeze under Trump has been more extensive and rigid. Disability cases were allowed to resume on February 20, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently announced that all cases can proceed as usual.
During the initial month of Trump’s presidency, the Office for Civil Rights resolved only about 50 cases, a stark contrast to the over 3,000 complaints resolved in the same timeframe under former President Joe Biden. Urgent cases that typically receive exceptions were also left unattended during the freeze, leaving families without updates.
One staff member shared stories of parents reaching out for help, only to be ignored by the office. Tylisa Guyton from Taylor, Michigan, filed a complaint regarding her son’s suspensions from school due to alleged racial targeting, but has received no response despite the investigations resuming.
The recent memo emphasized that antisemitism investigations are a top priority, despite claims that other enforcement activities are not being deprioritized. However, with fewer employees and heavier caseloads, it is likely that other forms of enforcement will be affected as the office aligns itself with the president’s agenda.
Democrats criticized Biden officials for their actions on COVID-19 mask bans and transgender student support, while Republicans accused them of overstepping. Longtime staffers noted that political agendas were now overshadowing their regular work for the first time. Trump called for a complete shutdown of the Education Department, labeling it a “con job” infiltrated by leftists. McMahon suggested that the civil rights office might be better placed within the Justice Department during her Senate hearing. Some cases are progressing, but others seem to be stalled, according to special education advocate Marcie Lipsitt in Michigan. She warned that accountability would be harder to achieve at the Education Department under the current administration.
Meanwhile, Trump’s officials continued to initiate “directed investigations” unrelated to typical complaint responses. These inquiries targeted universities, pressuring them to restrict transgender athletes or take a tougher stance against pro-Palestinian protesters. With fewer employees handling increased workload, field offices nationwide were impacted by staff reductions and leave directives. Changes in policies, such as removal of reminders for consent forms in investigations, could result in more cases being dismissed for technical reasons.
Special education advocates began shifting some cases to state agencies due to concerns over Education Department changes. At a recent conference, disability advocates expressed apprehension about future developments and potential impacts on student rights. Uncertainty and fear loomed over the community as they awaited further actions from the administration.
