In a divided decision on Monday, the Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to proceed with his plan to dismantle the Education Department, leading to the layoff of nearly 1,400 employees.
This ruling overrules a previous order by Boston Judge Myong Joun, who had issued a preliminary injunction against the layoffs, questioning the legality of the broader plan.
Dissenting Opinions Highlight Concerns
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from three liberal justices, who characterized it as “naive” and “willfully blind.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor voiced her concerns:
“When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciary’s duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it.”
The dissenting justices warned that the ruling:
“hands the Executive the power to repeal statutes by firing all those necessary to carry them out.”
Responses from Education Officials
Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court’s intervention was necessary for Trump’s plan to proceed. She stated:
“Today, the Supreme Court again confirmed the obvious: the President of the United States, as the head of the Executive Branch, has the ultimate authority to make decisions about staffing levels, administrative organization, and day-to-day operations of federal agencies.”
Pending Lawsuits and Employee Status
Earlier on the same day, over 20 states filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding billions in frozen education funding for after-school care and summer programs.
Currently, those targeted by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March. Judge Joun’s order had prevented full terminations, though the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 noted that none were allowed to return to work. Without the order, the employees would have faced termination in early June.
The Education Department indicated it was “actively assessing how to reintegrate” the employees and requested information regarding their employment status to facilitate a smooth return.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
The case involves two consolidated lawsuits claiming that Trump’s plan constitutes an illegal closure of the Education Department. One lawsuit was filed by the Somerville and Easthampton school districts in Massachusetts, along with the American Federation of Teachers and other educational organizations.
The opposing legal action includes a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general, arguing that the layoffs hinder the department’s ability to fulfill its Congressional responsibilities, including special education support, financial aid distribution, and civil rights enforcement.
