California AG Sues Trump’s Education Department Over Funding Cuts Impacting Students with Disabilities
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, challenging recent funding cuts announced by the Trump administration. The lawsuit, filed on March 17, 2025, claims that these reductions will severely impact educational programs for students with disabilities across the state.
The cuts, which are part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending, have sparked widespread concern among educators and advocacy groups. Disability Scoop reported that the reduction in funding could leave students with disabilities with little to no recourse for educational support. Similarly, the Salt Lake Tribune mentioned that Utah Governor Spencer Cox supports efforts to dismantle what he perceives as unnecessary federal oversight in education.
In New Jersey, the cuts have led to a significant reduction in the U.S. Department of Education's staff dedicated to the state, further complicating the situation for students requiring special education services. NorthJersey.com highlighted that these staff reductions could hinder the state's ability to address the needs of its students effectively.
The lawsuit by the California AG aims to halt these cuts and preserve critical funding for students with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of federal support in ensuring equal educational opportunities.
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Is the Department of Education federal?
In October 1979, Congress passed the Department of Education Organization Act (Public Law 96-88). Created by combining offices from several federal agencies, the Department began operations in May 1980.
How many people were fired from the Department of Education?
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Education slashed its workforce in half on Tuesday, laying off roughly 1,300 workers and leaving the agency hamstrung to fulfill responsibilities it's required by law to carry out.
