By: Richard L. Smith
A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump Administration’s controversial attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, following a legal challenge led by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction halting plans to lay off half of the department’s workforce and transfer key responsibilities, such as student loan oversight and special education services, outside the agency.
The court also ordered the reinstatement of employees affected by the proposed layoffs.
The coalition filed the lawsuit on March 13, shortly after the administration unveiled its plan.
The legal action was prompted by a March 20 executive order calling for the agency’s closure and a subsequent statement from former President Trump mandating an immediate transfer of services away from the Department.
Attorney General Platkin described the administration’s actions as unconstitutional and harmful, particularly to vulnerable groups such as students with special needs and low-income families.
He emphasized the coalition’s commitment to protecting educational services and legal processes.
The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Department of Education is a congressionally established agency and cannot be dissolved through executive order alone.
It also contends that the administration’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act by attempting sweeping changes without proper legal authority or public input.
States joining New Jersey in the lawsuit include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
The injunction keeps the Department of Education operational while the case proceeds.