ADVERTISEMENTs
Advocates sue to block attempted dismantling of US Education Department
The lawsuit came four days after the Republican president signed an order designed to leave school policy almost entirely in the hands of states and local boards, a prospect that alarms liberal education advocates.
A protester sits near U.S. Department of Education headquarters after the agency said it would lay off nearly half its staff, a possible precursor to closing altogether, as government agencies scrambled to meet President Donald Trump's deadline to submit plans for a second round of mass layoffs, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Mar.12, 2025. / Reuters
U.S. teachers unions and rights advocates, including the NAACP, sued the administration of President Donald Trump on Mar.24 to prevent the attempted dismantling of the federal Education Department, days after Trump signed an executive order to that effect.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
The lawsuit came four days after the Republican president signed an order designed to leave school policy almost entirely in the hands of states and local boards, a prospect that alarms liberal education advocates. Trump had promised during his election campaign that he would dismantle the agency.
Thursday's order was a first step "to eliminate" the department, Trump said. Shuttering the agency completely requires an act of Congress, and Trump lacks the votes for that.
KEY QUOTES
The department "is charged by Congress with advancing educational opportunity and quality," the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland said.
"Despite Congress's clear directives to the Department, the Trump Administration has stated numerous times, in the clearest possible terms, its intention to close this vital agency, most recently in a Mar.20, 2025, Executive Order," the filing added.
"These actions are unconstitutional and violate Congress's directives."
The Education Department had no immediate comment.
Earlier this month, a group of Democratic state attorneys general filed a similar lawsuit.
CONTEXT
Education has long been a political lightning rod in the United States. Conservatives favor local control over education policy and school-choice options that help private and religious schools, and left-leaning voters largely support robust funding for public schools and diversity programs.
Since taking office, Trump has tasked his billionaire ally Elon Musk with cost cutting and aimed to dismantle some U.S. agencies to bring down what they call wasteful spending.
Trump has threatened educational institutions with federal funding cuts over issues like diversity, equity and inclusion programs, transgender policy and pro-Palestinian protests.
BY THE NUMBERS
The department oversees some 100,000 public and 34,000 private schools, although more than 85 percent of public school funding comes from state and local governments. It provides federal grants for needy schools and programs and oversees $1.6 trillion in student loans.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login