California Attorney General Rob Bonta has spearheaded a multistate lawsuit challenging the mass firings at the U.S. Department of Education, which amount to nearly 50% of its workforce. This move is seen as part of President Trump's directive to dismantle the department, which critics argue undermines its ability to perform essential functions.
"The Trump Administration’s attempt to gut the Department of Education’s workforce is another step in its end goal of shuttering the department for good," stated Attorney General Bonta. He emphasized that this action disregards the critical role played by the department in various educational and social programs.
The reduction in workforce was initiated on March 11, affecting approximately half of the department's employees. Those impacted will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21. The workforce, initially numbering 4,133 at Trump's inauguration, will now be reduced to around 2,183 following these actions.
Attorney General Bonta argues that President Trump's directive and subsequent actions by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon are unlawful. The coalition claims these measures violate statutory obligations and exceed legal authority under the Administrative Procedures Act.
Joining Bonta in this legal challenge are attorneys general from Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, and several other states and jurisdictions. They assert that such firings breach congressional acts that establish and fund the Department of Education's responsibilities.
A copy of the lawsuit can be accessed for further details.