The event that is at the center of extensive discussions related to the education sector in the US has taken on a more intense character. On May 21, the federal court in Massachusetts made an important ruling — according to which, the Donald Trump administration must fully restore the operations of the US Department of Education. This was reported by CNBC.
Reinstating 1,300 employees — court's demand
Federal Judge Men Chung emphasized that the department must have the ability to fully carry out the tasks assigned by Congress, rather than engaging in unlawful activities. According to the court ruling, the Trump administration will be required to reinstate more than 1,300 dismissed state employees.
This decision was made following a lawsuit directed against the presidential decree. It should be noted that Trump signed a decree on March 20 to reduce the Department of Education and instructed Secretary Linda McMahon to take measures to close the agency. According to the president, this is one of the steps being taken as part of a program to reduce expenses.
Opposition from teachers and rights advocates
Just a few days after the decree was announced, teachers' unions and several rights advocacy organizations in the US filed a lawsuit. They assessed this decree as unconstitutional and contrary to the laws. The lawsuit emphasizes that the hastily implemented cuts could completely paralyze the department, resulting in a halt to essential services in the education sector for the population.
As a legal basis, the plaintiffs relied on the chapters of the United States Constitution related to Congressional powers. According to them, no executive authority, including the president, has the right to independently close an agency established by Congress or alter its functions.
Political context: Trump's initial move
The closure of the Department of Education is the first serious attempt by the Trump administration to completely eliminate the departmental structure. Previously, Trump had also indicated intentions to close organizations such as the US Agency for International Development. However, this decision faced significant opposition in the education sector and was overturned by the court ruling.
From the Zamin.uz editorial team:
This event once again indicates that the education sector is not only one of the most important pillars of state policy but also of society. This decision halted Trump's aggressive actions regarding state expenditure cuts and demonstrated the supremacy of the legal system. What do you think: what functions should the Department of Education perform, and is it the right decision to restore its operations?
