US Department of Education to Lay Off Nearly Half Its Workforce
The United States Department of Education has announced plans to lay off nearly half of its employees, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to dismantle the agency, Al Jazeera reports.
The move is part of a broader effort to streamline the federal bureaucracy.
The department stated on Tuesday that it would reduce its workforce to some 2,183 employees by placing staff on administrative leave starting March 21. The department assured it would continue to provide “all statutory programs” under its responsibility, including student loans and funding for special needs students.
These layoffs follow similar reductions undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency as part of its initiative to radically streamline the federal bureaucracy.
“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
Education in the US is primarily managed by state and local communities, with the federal government contributing around 8% of the total funding for elementary and secondary schooling.
The Department of Education was established in 1979 by the US Congress and former President Jimmy Carter. Its key functions include providing financial aid to schools, overseeing student loan programs, and enforcing civil rights protections.
Republicans have historically criticized the department since its inception, arguing that education policy should be managed at the state and local level. Former President Ronald Reagan repeatedly called for its dismantling.
The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the US, strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision, accusing it of wielding a “wrecking ball” against the futures of some 50 million students.
