A coalition of around 20 states and several teachers’ unions brought the case to court, arguing that the administration’s actions violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers…reports Asian Lite News
A US federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to dismantle the Education Department, ordering the reinstatement of hundreds of staff members who had been laid off.
In March, following Trump’s directive for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “put herself out of a job,” the department announced plans to cut its workforce by nearly half. This move was celebrated by Trump’s supporters but faced legal challenges, as the Education Department, established in 1979, cannot be abolished without Congressional approval.
A coalition of around 20 states and several teachers’ unions brought the case to court, arguing that the administration’s actions violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers by usurping Congress’s authority.
On Thursday, a federal judge in Boston sided with the plaintiffs, suspending the executive order and mandating that the dismissed employees be reinstated. Judge Myong Joun criticised the administration’s approach, stating, “This court cannot be asked to cover its eyes while the Department’s employees are continuously fired and units are transferred out until the Department becomes a shell of itself.”
Education in the United States has traditionally been primarily managed at the state and local levels, with the federal government contributing only about 13 percent of funding for primary and secondary schools. However, federal support is crucial for low-income schools and students requiring special education services. The department also plays a vital role in enforcing civil rights protections for students across the country.
The judge’s ruling underscores that any attempt to dismantle the Education Department must go through the proper legislative process, which requires Congressional approval. Given the current Senate composition, where Republicans hold 53 seats, it is unlikely the department could be abolished without bipartisan support.
This decision marks a significant check on the executive branch’s attempts to reduce the federal role in education, reaffirming the importance of maintaining federal oversight to protect vulnerable student populations and uphold educational equity nationwide.
