A U.S. judge has blocked wide job cuts in the Education Department.
A federal court has stopped major layoffs planned by the U.S. Department of Education, calling the move unconstitutional. The ruling, delivered by Judge Myong Joun, prevents the government from going ahead with the layoffs announced in March.
Judge Says Plan Was Meant to Weaken the Department
Judge Joun, who was appointed by Former President Biden, said the plan to cut nearly half of the department’s workers lacked proper legal support. He claimed the layoffs were clearly intended to shut down the department without any law backing it.
Legal Action Backed by States and Unions
The decision follows a legal challenge by twenty states led by Democrats, school officials, and unions. They argued that cutting staff would damage key services like public school funding, civil rights enforcement, and student loan management.
Layoff Announcement Followed Shutdown Order
Education Secretary Linda McMahon made the announcement on March 11. A week later, former President Trump signed an executive order to fully close the department, aiming to shift power to local and state governments.
Government Defended Cuts as Efficiency Move
The administration said the cuts were about reducing excess and boosting efficiency. But the judge dismissed that, noting the department wouldn’t be able to function properly with so many workers gone.
Education Spokesperson Calls Ruling Biased
Responding strongly, department spokesperson Madi Biedermann said the court decision was politically charged. She noted they would appeal right away and criticized the judge as biased.
Staffing Would Have Been Cut in Half
The plan, along with 600 buyout offers, would have reduced employees to just over 2,100, down from more than 4,100 when Trump resumed office. The drop would have marked a huge shift in how federal education is managed.
Critics Warn of Damage to Student Services
Opponents say the cuts would weaken education oversight, delay student loan help, and harm civil rights protections. Many worry that federal support for schools would collapse if such plans went through.
Department’s Role Vital Since Its Founding
Since its founding in 1979, the department has played a key role in protecting student rights and setting standards nationwide. The ruling now stands as a major roadblock to efforts aimed at shrinking federal control in education.
