States Sue to Block Trump Admin Layoffs at Education Department
Introduction to the Lawsuit
By COLLIN BINKLEY, AP Education Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — A coalition of Democratic-led states is challenging the Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs across the Education Department, saying it amounts to an illegal dismantling of an agency created by Congress.
Background of the Lawsuit
In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in Massachusetts, 20 states and Washington, D.C., say the layoffs are so severe that the department “can no longer function, and cannot comply with its statutory requirements.”
It alleges the cuts will result in a loss or delay of federal money for public schools, and will leave the agency unable to administer college financial aid or enforce civil rights laws at schools, among other disruptions.
Response from the Education Department
A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The department has insisted previously it will continue to deliver on its statutory obligations, despite the cuts.
Details of the Layoffs
Some Education Department employees have left through buyout offers and the termination of probationary employees. After a layoff of 1,300 people announced Tuesday, the department will sit at roughly half the 4,100 it had when President Donald Trump took office.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants the agency shut down, calling it wasteful and overly influenced by liberal thinking.
States’ Concerns
The suit says only Congress has the power close the department or dismantle its core work.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the cuts will impair necessary services for students and families.
“This outrageous effort to leave students behind and deprive them of a quality education is reckless and illegal. Today I am taking action to stop the madness and protect our schools and the students who depend on them,” James said.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by the coalition of Democratic-led states against the Trump administration’s layoffs at the Education Department highlights the concerns about the impact of these cuts on public schools and students. The states argue that the layoffs are so severe that the department can no longer function and comply with its statutory requirements. The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications for the future of the Education Department and the services it provides to students and families.
FAQs
Q: What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by the states against the Trump administration?
A: The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s layoffs at the Education Department are so severe that the department can no longer function and comply with its statutory requirements.
Q: How many employees will be left at the Education Department after the layoffs?
A: After the layoff of 1,300 people announced Tuesday, the department will sit at roughly half the 4,100 it had when President Donald Trump took office.
Q: What are the concerns of the states about the impact of the layoffs?
A: The states are concerned that the layoffs will result in a loss or delay of federal money for public schools, and will leave the agency unable to administer college financial aid or enforce civil rights laws at schools, among other disruptions.
Q: What is the response of the Education Department to the lawsuit?
A: The department has insisted previously that it will continue to deliver on its statutory obligations, despite the cuts.
Q: When was the lawsuit filed?
A: The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in Massachusetts.
Originally Published: March 13, 2025 at 11:14 AM EDT
