Attorney General Anthony G. Brown of Maryland has joined forces with a coalition of 21 attorneys general to challenge the Trump administration’s decision to significantly downsize the Department of Education (ED). The administration announced plans on March 11 to dismiss about 50% of the ED’s workforce, aiming for a “total shutdown” of the agency.
The lawsuit, filed by the coalition today, seeks to halt the administration’s efforts to disband the ED—a key federal body that supports educational programs across the United States. The department serves nearly 18,200 school districts, over 50 million K-12 students, and more than 12 million postsecondary students.
“President Trump’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education could severely impact Maryland schools, enlarging class sizes, reducing services for students with disabilities, and exacerbating disparities among school districts,” stated Attorney General Brown. He emphasized that the legal action was necessary to protect the educational rights of students irrespective of their location.
The lawsuit points out the wide-ranging effects of the proposed cutbacks, which would impair the ED’s ability to function effectively. Key concerns include the potential neglect of students with special needs, diminished enforcement of civil rights protections, and complications in financial aid processing for college students. These actions are alleged to be illegal and unconstitutional, as they undermine an executive agency established and funded through legislative measures by Congress.
Attorney General Brown, alongside the attorneys general from states including Arizona, California, Colorado, and New York, is calling for a judicial order to prevent the Trump administration from implementing its plans. The lawsuit argues that the executive branch lacks the authority to dissolve or incapacitate the ED without congressional approval.
