Court blocks effort to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

Dr. Michele Harmala - Deputy Superintendent, Educator Excellence, Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and Administrative Law | Michigan Department of Education

Public school children and educators have welcomed a recent court ruling that temporarily halts the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. The decision reverses significant job cuts and blocks an attempt to abolish the department, according to State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.

“Today is a win for public schools, public school children and their families, and public school educators,” Dr. Rice stated. He emphasized the importance of the U.S. Department of Education in supporting children's learning and well-being, particularly for those needing additional support from schools.

The federal court in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction against efforts to dismantle the department following a lawsuit by 21 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The Court's decision suggests that plaintiffs are likely to succeed if the case proceeds to a final ruling.

The injunction halts President Donald Trump's March 20 executive order aimed at abolishing the department and reinstates employees laid off due to workforce reductions announced on March 11. It also prevents an executive directive from transferring oversight of special education and management of higher education student loans out of the department.

In March, it was announced that the Trump Administration would reduce the department's workforce by about 50%, cutting down from 4,133 employees when President Trump took office to 2,183 through layoffs and voluntary resignations.

State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh praised the court's decision: “Once again, a federal court has ruled in favor of our children and in favor of the rule of law,” she said, stressing continued resistance against federal actions detrimental to children.

This ruling is part of ongoing legal challenges against federal actions perceived as harmful to public education.