Attorney General Nick Brown has joined a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in filing a motion for a preliminary injunction. This legal action is part of their lawsuit aimed at halting President Donald Trump's attempt to dismantle the Department of Education.
The attorneys general initiated the lawsuit on March 13, following the Trump administration's announcement to reduce the Department’s workforce by half. Subsequent developments included a March 20 executive order and President Trump's directive on March 21 for an immediate transfer of student loan management and special education services outside the Department. The coalition seeks a court order to stop these layoffs and service transfers, which they argue lack congressional approval.
"The devastating cuts and layoffs at the Department of Education will directly harm Washington’s youth and their families," Brown stated. "Our office will fight to defend the education and health of our students from President Trump’s illegal order."
The attorneys general claim that these actions have already negatively impacted families and students nationwide, including those in Washington state. They highlight mass staff layoffs leading to closures within the Office of Civil Rights outreach, delays in federal program approvals, and potential disruptions in critical school funding.
States depend on significant annual funding for various educational services, including those for children with disabilities and vocational training. These programs face severe disruption if the proposed cuts proceed.
Brown and his colleagues assert that dismantling the Department is both illegal and unconstitutional. As an agency authorized by Congress, it operates under specific laws guiding its programs and funding streams. The lawsuit contends that such unilateral action by the executive branch without congressional consent is beyond its legal authority. Additionally, they argue that these mass layoffs breach the Administrative Procedures Act.
Joining Attorney General Brown are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.