A coalition of 20 attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to halt its plans to dismantle the Department of Education. The lawsuit argues that the administration’s actions, which include significant workforce reductions and program cuts, are both unlawful and unconstitutional.
On March 11, 2025, the Department of Education announced a reduction in force (RIF) that will cut its workforce by approximately 50%, affecting nearly 1,950 employees. This move follows President Trump’s long-stated goal of eliminating the Department of Education, which he has described as a “big con job.” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has also expressed support for dismantling the agency, stating that the layoffs are the first step toward a total shutdown.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration lacks the authority to unilaterally dismantle a federal agency created by Congress. The Department of Education was established by statute in 1979, and its functions are mandated by law. The plaintiffs contend that only Congress can abolish the agency or transfer its responsibilities to another entity.
The lawsuit also alleges that the RIF violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by being arbitrary and capricious, as it does not provide a reasoned explanation for the drastic cuts. Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that the reduction in force will incapacitate the Department’s ability to perform its statutory duties, including enforcing civil rights laws and administering federal student aid programs.
Attorney General Raoul emphasized the importance of the Department of Education in overseeing financial aid applications and ensuring that students can access postsecondary education. He noted that the elimination of positions in the Office of Civil Rights would severely impact students seeking redress for violations of their rights, further hindering their educational opportunities.
The Department of Education plays a critical role in supporting nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million K-12 students across the U.S. Its higher education programs serve more than 12 million students annually. In Illinois alone, the state is expected to receive approximately $3.56 billion in federal education funding for fiscal year 2025, which would be jeopardized by these cuts.
Students with disabilities and those from low-income families are among the primary beneficiaries of the department’s services, including special education funding for assistive technology, teacher support, and therapy services. Over 375,000 students in Illinois benefit from funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent the administration from implementing its plans to drastically reduce the Department of Education’s workforce and programs, arguing that such actions would have severe consequences for states like Illinois and the broader educational landscape.
