Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a statement criticizing President Donald Trump's recent executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education. Raoul described the action as "no more legal than his other actions intended to dismantle the Department of Education," emphasizing that it negatively impacts critical programs and services.
Raoul highlighted that states, including Illinois, are already feeling the effects of these actions. He noted that on March 11, staff from a Chicago branch of the department's Office of Civil Rights were laid off, effectively closing the office. This closure means students who relied on this office for civil rights protection must now turn to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which is already overwhelmed.
The attorney general also expressed concern about student aid processing disruptions caused by these changes. With enrollment deadlines approaching for Illinois public colleges and universities, Raoul warned that thousands of students might face challenges in finalizing their plans due to delays in processing FAFSAs.
Raoul condemned the administration's actions as "unlawful" and "unconstitutional," arguing they harm students most reliant on educational programs and services. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for equal access to quality education for all students.
Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education and current Managing Partner at Chicago CRED, supported Raoul's stance. Duncan stated: "High-quality education is in our nation’s interest...Trump’s assault on education is unprecedented in the history of our nation." He emphasized that any attempt to reduce educational opportunities is both educationally and morally bankrupt.
The Department of Education provides services to nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million K-12 students across approximately 98,000 public schools and 32,000 private schools nationwide. Its higher education programs support more than 12 million postsecondary students annually. In fiscal year 2025 alone, Illinois was expected to receive around $3.56 billion in federal funding from the department.
Students with disabilities and those from low-income families are among the primary beneficiaries of these services. Federal funds support special education needs such as assistive technology, teacher salaries, transportation services, physical therapy, speech therapy services, and social work assistance. Rural communities also benefit through programs designed to help school districts lacking resources compete for grants.
Attorney General Raoul has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against these administrative actions. The lawsuit is currently pending in the District of Massachusetts.