What Parents Need to Know About the Federal Court Ruling Protecting the U.S. Department of Education

On May 22, 2025, a federal judge issued a major ruling that directly affects the future of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)—and, by extension, the services and support schools provide to your children. Here’s what happened, and what it means for you as a parent.

What Happened?

President Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, titled “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.” Th order aimed to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education entirely. Just days earlier, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced plans to lay off more than 2,000 ED employees—nearly half the department’s staff.

This prompted an immediate legal challenge from over 20 states, the Districtof Columbia, several school districts, and national education unions. On May 22, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun temporarily blocked the executive order and the mass layoffs, citing serious constitutional concerns.

What Did the Judge Say?

Judge Joun found that the president and secretary of education do not have the authority to shut down a department created by Congress; only Congress can do that. While the president can remove individual officers, he cannot eliminate entire federal departments or programs without legislative approval.

The court also ruled that the mass firings effectively crippled the department’s ability to perform its legal duties, such as managing student loans and special education services. Judge Joun stated that these drastic actions likely violated federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act, because they lacked proper justification or planning.

Why It Matters for Parents

The Department of Education is responsible for critical programs and funding that impact your child’s education every day:

• Special Education Oversight: Without ED’s support and guidance, state special education programs risk becoming inconsistent or underfunded.

• Federal Student Aid: The department handles student loans, Pell Grants, and other aid programs that support college access.

• Civil Rights Enforcement: The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigates discrimination in schools, including against students with disabilities and students of color.

Layoffs had already started causing major disruptions. For example, state education agencies couldn’t access federal funds on time, and help desk services were overwhelmed due to lack of staff. The judge noted that seven of the 12 regional OCR offices had closed, raising alarm about the loss of federal oversight.

What’s Next?

Judge Joun ordered all laid-off employees to be reinstated and gave the administration 72 hours to report back on how it is complying. He also banned the administration from trying to bring back the order under a different name.

The Department of Education strongly opposed the ruling and says it plans to appeal.

Why You Should Pay Attention

This case is a reminder that education policy is not just made in your local school board meetings—it’s also shaped by actions in Washington and in the courts. The outcome will influence how well your child’s school is supported by federal resources and protected under federal law.

If you’re concerned about how this might affect your child’s services or school funding, it’s a good time to stay informed and connected. Contact your local school administrators or state education agency to ask how they’re responding to the changes, and consider reaching out to your elected representatives to voice your concerns.

The federal court’s decision ensures—for now—that the Department of Education can continue to serve the millions of students and families who depend on it. As parents, staying engaged and informed is one of the most powerful things we can do for our children’s future.