Massive Layoffs Shake U.S. Department of Education: Key Figures Speak Out
The U.S. Department of Education is undergoing a seismic shift as nearly 1,400 employees face termination. This move follows an executive order from President Trump aimed at dismantling the department, transferring responsibilities back to individual states, and streamlining the federal education system.
Trump’s administration, led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, justifies these layoffs as a necessary step to revive the nation’s education standards. However, the decision has sparked concerns about the implications for crucial services and the department’s ability to fulfill its obligations.
David Downey, Office of Grants Management, 30 years of service
David Downey, a veteran of the Office of Grants Management, spent years ensuring that state and local officials properly utilized federal education funds. His work spanned multiple administrations, including President George W. Bush’s tenure. Downey reveals that the Trump administration requested a review of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, leading to an executive order deeming DEI illegal.
“It was an affront to the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” Downey expressed, concerned about the rollback of protections for students of color and those with disabilities. The rapid reduction-in-force (RIF) left many employees unable to communicate with states about upcoming meetings, marking the process as chaotic and unprofessional.
Jason Cottrell, Office of Postsecondary Education, 9.5 years of service
Jason Cottrell, responsible for data collection and analysis, emphasizes how the staffing cuts impede the department’s capability to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. The loss of staff means a diminished capacity to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Cottrell, a member of AFGE Local 252, describes an atmosphere of anxiety leading up to the layoffs. Despite the department’s assurance that it can manage the new responsibilities under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Cottrell remains skeptical about the feasibility with reduced personnel.
Emily Merolli, Office of the General Counsel, 12 years of service
Attorney Emily Merolli, who contributed significantly to education-related legislation, fears for the accountability and enforcement of laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) without adequate staff. She critiques the narrative that cutting the department empowers states, arguing it lacks legal foundation.
Merolli warns of the potential vulnerability for students with disabilities as the capacity for enforcement diminishes, affecting the quality of education nationwide.
Sheria Smith and Brittany Coleman, Office for Civil Rights
The closure of seven regional offices of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has placed additional burdens on the remaining staff. Attorneys Sheria Smith and Brittany Coleman, who worked in the Dallas office, highlight the influx of cases that existing staff now handle, leading to delays in addressing complaints.
OCR’s focus has shifted under the Trump administration, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which raises questions about the department’s priorities and its impact on vulnerable student populations.
Rachel Gittleman, Student Loan Ombudsman’s Office
Rachel Gittleman, from the Office of Federal Student Aid, assisted borrowers in resolving complex loan issues. The March layoffs left her with unresolved cases and no means to assist borrowers further. She questions the department’s ability to implement new legislative changes with significantly fewer staff.
Despite the administration’s confidence in managing the changes, Gittleman remains doubtful, emphasizing the critical role of staff in maintaining the education system’s functionality.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
