In a new development, the Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow it to continue its plan to dismantle the Department of Education. This move, if successful, would give more control over school policies to state and local governments, reducing the role of the federal government in education.
The Appeal to the Supreme Court
The U.S. Justice Department filed a request to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge Myong Joun, who had previously ordered the reinstatement of employees fired in a large layoff and put a halt to actions aimed at shutting down the department. According to the Justice Department, the lower court did not have the authority to challenge the decisions made by the executive branch of the federal government regarding internal management.
Reasons Behind the Administration’s Move
The Trump administration has been clear in stating that only Congress can fully eliminate the Department of Education. However, they argue that reducing the staff and reorganizing the department is part of an effort to streamline operations, while still fulfilling essential functions. The goal is to make the department more efficient and better serve its mission, which includes overseeing federal funding for public and private schools, managing student loans, and ensuring civil rights in education.
What’s at Stake for U.S. Schools?
The Department of Education, established by law in 1979, oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including distributing federal funds to schools, supporting special needs education, funding arts programs, and managing student loans. Despite its federal oversight, more than 85% of funding for public schools comes from state and local governments.
President Trump’s efforts to close the department are part of a broader agenda to reduce the size of the federal government, a goal long supported by many conservatives. This move, however, has faced significant opposition from state attorneys general, teachers’ unions, and school districts, who argue that eliminating the department would disrupt the functioning of public education.
The Court’s Ruling and Its Impact
Judge Joun ruled that the Trump administration’s actions were not aimed at improving efficiency, but at shutting down the department without proper authorization from Congress. In his decision, Joun emphasized that the government cannot simply fire employees and transfer responsibilities without the necessary approval, as this would leave the department ineffective.
Despite the ruling, the Trump administration has continued its efforts, with plans to move the department’s student loan services to the Small Business Administration and shift special education and nutrition services to the Department of Health and Human Services. This restructuring, coupled with the mass layoffs, is a significant part of Trump’s broader push to reshape how the U.S. government handles education.
The Legal Battle Continues
The Trump administration’s request to stop Judge Joun’s injunction has already been denied by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the decision to reinstate the laid-off workers and halt the shutdown process. The administration is now seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention, as it tries to push forward with its controversial plan.
The legal battle over the future of the Department of Education is a pivotal moment for the U.S. education system. While Trump’s plan aims to reduce the federal government’s role in education, opponents argue that it could weaken essential services and protections for schools across the country. The case will likely have lasting effects on the role of federal agencies in public education.
