Randi Weingarten AFT President | American Federation of Teachers
The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to proceed with its plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, despite ongoing legal challenges. The decision overturns two lower court rulings that had blocked actions such as mass layoffs and the elimination of key offices within the Department.
A coalition comprising several organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - Massachusetts, AFSCME Council 93, and others, initially secured an injunction against these measures. This was upheld by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Democracy Forward is representing this coalition in court.
In response to the Supreme Court's decision, the coalition expressed disappointment: “We are incredibly disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump-Vance administration to proceed with its harmful efforts to dismantle the Department of Education while our case moves forward. This unlawful plan will immediately and irreparably harm students, educators and communities across our nation. Children will be among those hurt the most by this decision. We will never stop fighting on behalf of all students and public schools and the protections, services, and resources they need to thrive.”
The Department's role includes distributing funds for education, supporting students with disabilities, ensuring civil rights protections for students, and aiding affordability in higher education. Before January 20, 2025, it employed over 4,000 staff members; proposed cuts would reduce this number significantly.
An executive order also plans to relocate various programs like Special Education Programs to other federal agencies lacking expertise in these areas.
Democracy Forward's legal team on this case includes Will Bardwell and Elena Goldstein among others.
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