The president of the National Education Association (NEA), which is the largest teachers union in the U.S., has strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Department of Education to continue reducing its workforce. This ruling enables a significant cut, halving the department’s staff.
“There’s nothing more crucial than ensuring that our students succeed. Educators and families across America will voice their concerns as Donald Trump, with the backing of the Supreme Court, undermines the protections and funding our students and communities deserve,” she stated in a press release.
Pringle mentioned that the NEA intends to fight back against what she described as the detrimental dismantling happening, both within the Department of Education’s legal framework and outside of it.
Documents from a conservative education expert, Corey A. Deangelis, noted that the NEA was also labeled in this year’s business agenda as opposing any attempts to eliminate the Department of Education, calling it an illegal and anti-democratic move that risks destroying public education for the sake of private interests.
During the previous election cycle, it was revealed that 98% of the NEA’s political contributions supported Democratic candidates.
“Everyone who cares about public education in this country should pay attention to the Supreme Court’s early involvement in this matter, as its decision today doesn’t resolve the core issues related to Trump’s illegal plans to dissolve the Department of Education,” Pringle said.
“Parents, teachers, and community advocates will not simply stand by as Trump and his supporters jeopardize the future of public schools, impacting 50 million students across varied communities in America,” she added. “We’re determined to organize and push for a revitalized public education system where all students can flourish.”
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to overturn a lower court’s order that requested the reinstatement of 1,400 Department of Education employees, allowing Linda McMahon to continue her work related to faculty management.
Earlier in March, the Department of Education had cut its workforce in half as part of efforts to streamline operations and reduce excessive layers of bureaucracy.
Before these cuts, the department had roughly 4,133 staff members, many of whom primarily managed contractors and handled overlapping duties. Officials stated that these reductions would not compromise student aid, funding for students with special needs, civil rights investigations, or other legally mandated functions. There were also concerns about the forthcoming FAFSA processes due by October 1.
Earlier this year, a U.S. District Judge blocked attempts to reduce staff within the department until there was Congressional approval and ordered the reinstatement of those laid off employees.
The Supreme Court’s decision now lifts that previous injunction, indicating that the case could eventually return before the Court.
Trump has expressed a desire to see the Department of Education abolished, favoring a transfer of power back to states and localities. He’s also articulated a wish for McMahon to “get him out of work,” indicating a readiness to sign an executive order to dismantle the department, although it’s important to note that Congress originally established it under President Jimmy Carter over 40 years ago.
