Judge Blocks Major Education Reform Plan, Citing Constitutional Concerns

A federal judge has temporarily halted a sweeping plan that sought to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move that could have reshaped the nation’s schools, student programs, and civil rights protections. The controversial executive order aimed to close the department, eliminate thousands of jobs, and redistribute its responsibilities to other federal agencies, including student loan management to the Treasury and special education oversight to Health and Human Services.

Critics warned the plan would create chaos, disrupt federal funding, and weaken protections for students with disabilities and civil rights enforcement. In response, states, school districts, educators, and civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit, arguing the president cannot unilaterally dissolve a department created by Congress. The judge agreed, issuing a preliminary injunction to pause the order, reinstate affected employees, and prevent further redistribution of responsibilities.

The court emphasized that such a reorganization fundamentally alters legislative frameworks and exceeds executive authority. The ruling protects programs like federal student loans, special education services, and civil rights oversight, which affect millions of Americans daily. Advocates argued that abrupt changes could delay payments, create administrative confusion, and reduce protections for vulnerable populations.

Political reactions were split. Progressives praised the court for defending public education, while conservatives criticized the decision as judicial overreach, arguing the move would have returned power to states and communities. Meanwhile, educators, administrators, and students continue to face uncertainty, highlighting the human impact of policy decisions. The administration has announced plans to appeal, and the final outcome could set a significant precedent for presidential authority over federal agencies.