In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), aiming to transfer educational authority back to states and local entities. This move has sparked significant legal challenges and debates regarding its constitutionality and potential impact on the nation’s education system
Legal Challenges
On March 25, 2025, a coalition of teachers’ unions and civil rights organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the dismantling of the DOE. The plaintiffs argue that the executive order violates constitutional provisions and undermines congressional mandates assigned to the department. They emphasize that the DOE plays a crucial role in advancing educational opportunities, enforcing civil rights laws, and managing federal student aid programs.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition seeking a preliminary injunction against the executive order. Nessel contends that dismantling the DOE is both illegal and unconstitutional, highlighting that Michigan receives approximately $1.5 billion in federal education funds. These funds support critical programs such as special education services, Early On initiatives, community learning centers, and FAFSA funding. The elimination of the DOE could jeopardize these programs, adversely affecting students across the state.
Administrative Actions
Following the executive order, the administration, led by DOE Secretary Linda McMahon, has undertaken steps to reduce the department’s operations. Significant workforce reductions have occurred, with reports indicating that about 50% of the DOE’s staff, approximately 2,200 employees, have been laid off. Additionally, numerous contracts and grants have been canceled, impacting research initiatives and programs aimed at improving teacher quality. The Institute of Education Sciences, the department’s research arm, has experienced substantial cuts, leading to the termination of data collection and research contracts.
Implications for Student Loans
The DOE manages over $1.5 trillion in student debt for more than 40 million borrowers nationwide. The executive order proposes transferring student loan operations to the Small Business Administration (SBA). This transition raises concerns about potential disruptions in loan processing, increased administrative errors, and slower response times. In Ohio, nearly 1.8 million individuals collectively owe $61.7 billion in federal student loan debt, illustrating the widespread impact such a transition could have on borrowers.
State-Level Concerns
States like Connecticut have expressed apprehension regarding the dismantling of the DOE. Education advocates fear that eliminating the department could harm public education by disrupting essential services and exacerbating educational inequalities. Programs supporting low-income schools and students with disabilities are particularly at risk. Connecticut, along with other states, has joined lawsuits challenging the executive order, arguing that such actions could dismantle the federal aid infrastructure and negatively impact vulnerable student populations.
Constitutional and Legislative Hurdles
The DOE was established by Congress, and its dismantling cannot be achieved solely through an executive order; it requires legislative action. The administration acknowledges that completely abolishing the department necessitates congressional approval, which presents a significant hurdle given the current political landscape. The executive order serves as an initial step toward this goal, but its legality and implementation are subjects of ongoing legal scrutiny and political debate
Civil Rights and Educational Equity
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized the executive order, asserting that dismantling the DOE jeopardizes the education and civil rights of millions of students. The department is instrumental in enforcing civil rights laws in educational settings, and its elimination could lead to reduced oversight and protection for marginalized student populations. The ACLU is calling on Congress to act immediately to restore the federal government’s role in enforcing educational equity and civil rights.
In summary, the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education has ignited legal battles and widespread concern among educators, policymakers, and civil rights advocates. The outcome of these challenges will significantly influence the future of federal involvement in education and the protection of students’ rights across the United States.
