Hundreds of federal education employees lose their jobs, UVA signs an agreement with Trump, and education lawsuits continue to fly.
Higher Education
The Department of Education (DOE) RIFs 20% of its Staff.
During the current shutdown, the federal government laid off 466 DOE employees, or twenty percent of the Department. The decision impacts dozens of professionals responsible for almost $15 billion in special education funding providing services to more than 7.5 million children with disabilities. The US Supreme Court has reviewed several cases related to the Trump administration attempting to fire federal workers in recent months. State of New York vs. McMahon allowed the Department’s March RIFs to proceed.
K-12
DOE Explores a New Home for Special Education.
With the Trump administration’s goal of shuttering the DOE, the agency said it’s “exploring additional partnerships” with other federal agencies to continue special education programming. While no changes are official, both Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon previously named the Department of Health and Human Services as a potential new partner to oversee special education.
DEI
The University of Virginia (UVA) Reaches an Agreement with the Department of Justice.
UVA becomes the first public institution to formally comply with the Trump administration regarding federal funding and discrimination allegations. The Department threatened to revoke colleges’ federal funding if they participated in DEI practices that the government deems unlawful. Under the agreement, UVA promises not to “engage in unlawful racial discrimination in its university programming, admissions, hiring, or other activities” and will provide the DOJ with quarterly reports showing the school’s compliance. UVA admits no wrongdoing under the agreement.
Legal Rulings
New York City Sues the DOE
New York City sued the DOE over the agency’s termination of $47 million in federal funding for 19 magnet schools. The Department removed the discretionary grant funding from the nation’s largest school system after it found that the New York City Department of Education violated Title IX in allowing transgender-inclusive bathroom and locker room policies. In a September 16 letter, the DOE gave the school system three days to agree to overhaul its Title IX policies. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the funding of the Magnet School Assistance Program, which is meant to assist in desegregation that serves low-income Black and Hispanic Students.
How We Can Help
As education professionals stay informed of all federal updates and prepare for their impact, TIXC can help keep your schools compliant. For general up-to-date information and how it affects you and your institution, join us for TIXC Thursdays on the first Thursday of every month. For more information about our consulting services, including advising, hearing adjudication, and investigation, contact us at info@titleixconsult.com.