Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, alongside 20 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the dismantling of the Department of Education (DOE). The administration announced plans on March 11 to reduce the DOE’s workforce by approximately 50%, aiming for a “total shutdown” of the department.
Attorney General Ford expressed his concerns about this move: “I was a public school math teacher, and I’m the father of three sons who attended Nevada’s public schools. I know firsthand what happens when politicians play games with education — our kids pay the price.” He emphasized that cutting down the DOE is not only unlawful but also detrimental to students in Nevada, especially those relying on special education services or from low-income families. “Gutting the Department of Education isn’t just unlawful; it’s an attack on Nevada’s students,” he added.
The lawsuit seeks to halt what AG Ford describes as targeted destruction of a federal agency crucial for providing quality education and resources to millions. The DOE supports nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million K-12 students nationwide. It also assists more than 12 million postsecondary students each year. Key beneficiaries include students with disabilities and those from low-income families who receive support through various programs funded by the DOE.
According to AG Ford and his coalition, dismantling the DOE would have severe consequences for states like Nevada. The proposed layoffs would incapacitate essential functions of the department, depriving students with special needs of critical resources and support. Furthermore, they argue that this action would weaken financial aid processing, increasing costs for college students who depend on loans and grants.
The coalition’s lawsuit contends that these actions are both illegal and unconstitutional since Congress authorizes executive agencies like the DOE. They assert that dismantling such an agency cannot be done unilaterally by the Executive Branch without congressional approval.
Joining Attorney General Ford in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington state, Wisconsin state,Vermont state,and Washington D.C.
