(Reuters) – A coalition of teachers’ unions and civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, filed a lawsuit on Monday against the administration of former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit aims to block his efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, just days after he signed an executive order toward that goal.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit was filed four days after Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order that would shift most education policy decisions to states and local school boards. This move has raised concerns among liberal education advocates. During his election campaign, Trump had pledged to eliminate the Education Department.
Trump described the order as a first step toward “eliminating” the department. However, fully closing the agency requires congressional approval, and he currently lacks the necessary votes.
Key Quotes
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, argues that the Education Department is responsible for ensuring educational quality and equal opportunities.
“Despite Congress’s clear directives to the Department, the Trump Administration has stated numerous times, in the clearest possible terms, its intention to close this vital agency, most recently in a March 20, 2025, Executive Order,” the lawsuit states.
The filing further argues that “these actions are unconstitutional and violate Congress’s directives.”
The Education Department has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Earlier this month, a group of Democratic state attorneys general also filed a similar legal challenge.
Background
Education policy has long been a contentious issue in the United States. Conservatives generally favor local control and school-choice programs that support private and religious schools. On the other hand, liberal advocates push for strong federal funding of public education and diversity initiatives.
Since taking office, Trump has focused on reducing government spending, enlisting billionaire businessman Elon Musk to lead cost-cutting efforts. His administration has attempted to shrink federal agencies, arguing that they contribute to unnecessary government expenditures.
Trump has also threatened to cut federal funding for schools and universities over policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, transgender rights, and pro-Palestinian protests.
By the Numbers
The U.S. Department of Education oversees approximately 100,000 public schools and 34,000 private schools. However, more than 85% of public school funding comes from state and local governments. The department also manages federal grants for disadvantaged schools and administers $1.6 trillion in student loans.
