Washington state has joined a coalition of 20 states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown criticized the move as illegal, arguing it would undermine a vital federal agency responsible for ensuring quality education and resources for millions of students.
The Trump administration announced on March 11 its intention to lay off about half of the department's workforce, aiming for a "total shutdown." Brown stated, "Knowledge is power, and these cuts are intended to take invaluable learning opportunities away from millions of students." He emphasized that such actions would disproportionately affect young people and families with limited means.
The lawsuit contends that the extensive layoffs lack justification or specific plans to address alleged waste within the department. It argues that this executive order reflects President Trump's and Secretary McMahon's broader opposition to the Department of Education.
Students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds stand to lose essential services and funding. Federal support includes assistive technology, teacher salaries, transportation, therapy services, and social work assistance. The department also aids rural communities by helping them access competitive grants.
Critics warn that these cuts will deprive special needs students of crucial resources and weaken the Office of Civil Rights' ability to protect against discrimination and sexual assault. Financial aid processing could also suffer, making it harder for college students to secure loans, Pell grants, and work-study opportunities.
The coalition seeks judicial intervention to halt these efforts, asserting that only Congress can authorize such significant changes to the Department of Education.
States joining Washington in this legal action include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts (where the complaint was filed), Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin Vermont; along with the District of Columbia.