A coalition of Democratic-led states has filed a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts to challenge the Trump administration’s layoffs at the Education Department, claiming it is an illegal dismantling of a congress-created agency.
The big picture: The lawsuit, involving 20 states and Washington DC, argues that the severe layoffs will render the department unable to function properly, leading to delays in federal funding for public schools and hindrances in administering college financial aid and enforcing civil rights laws in schools.
- Despite buyout offers and termination of probationary employees, the Education Department announced layoffs that reduced its workforce by 1300, leaving approximately half of the 4100 staff it had when Trump took office.
Driving the news: President Trump has expressed a desire to shut down the Education Department, criticizing it as wasteful and excessively influenced by liberal ideologies.
Go deeper: The lawsuit emphasizes that only Congress holds the authority to close or alter the core operations of the Education Department.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James denounced the layoffs, stating that they will harm essential services for students and families, and vowed to take legal action to safeguard schools and students.
