In a sweeping move announced Tuesday evening, the U.S. Department of Education laid off 1,315 employees, effectively slashing its workforce by nearly 50%.

The layoffs, described as a “reduction in force” (RIF), began at 6 p.m. and will leave the department with approximately 2,183 employees, down from the 4,133 staff members it employed at the start of Trump’s presidency. Nearly 600 employees had already departed voluntarily in recent weeks through buyouts or deferred resignation programs. The remaining affected workers will be placed on administrative leave starting March 21 and will receive full pay and benefits until June 9, along with severance packages based on tenure.

The layoffs will eliminate entire teams deemed redundant or unnecessary within the department. However, critics have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to maintain essential functions. Higher education advocates warn that reductions could disrupt oversight of student loans and civil rights enforcement while undermining support for institutions reliant on federal funding.

The department’s Washington offices were closed Wednesday for “security reasons,” with employees instructed to telework until March 21. 

President Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to abolish the Department of Education altogether, though such a move would require congressional approval. In lieu of closure, Trump has pursued significant downsizing as part of a broader effort to return educational authority to states and local districts. 

National Education Association President Becky Pringle released a statement in response to the layoffs on Tuesday, saying: “Firing — without cause — nearly half of the Department of Education staff means they are getting rid of the dedicated public servants who help ensure our nation’s students have access to the programs and resources to keep class sizes down and expand learning opportunities for students so they can grow into their full brilliance. The Trump administration has abandoned students, parents, and educators across the nation.”

The U.S. Department of Education was established in its current form by the Department of Education Organization Act, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on October 17, 1979. The department began operations on May 4, 1980, following the split of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare into two separate entities: the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Department of Education plays a crucial role in the U.S. educational system by performing several key functions:

1. Financial Aid and Loans: The department administers federal financial aid programs, including student loans, grants, and work-study programs. It operates the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and manages the Pell Grant program.
2. Equal Access and Civil Rights: It ensures equal access to education through its Office of Civil Rights, enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in educational settings.
3. Data Collection and Research: The department collects data on educational outcomes and trends, providing insights that inform policy decisions and educational reforms.
4. Support for Educational Institutions: It provides funding and support to schools, particularly those serving disadvantaged populations, such as Title I funding for low-income schools and support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
5. Promoting Educational Excellence: The department promotes advancements in education by supporting research, evaluation, and the dissemination of educational information.
6. Accountability and Coordination: It enhances the management and effectiveness of federal educational initiatives, ensuring accountability to Congress, the public, and the President.

There are several misconceptions about the U.S. Department of Education’s role that are commonly held by the public:

1. Curriculum Control: Many believe the Department of Education sets curricula for schools. However, curriculum decisions are primarily made by state and local governments. The federal government does not dictate what educators teach; instead, it focuses on financial support and ensuring equal access to education.
2. Funding Role: Some think the Department of Education provides the majority of funding for schools. In reality, it contributes less than 10% of total K-12 education funding, with the remainder coming from state and local sources.
3. Elimination Authority: There is a misconception that the President can unilaterally eliminate the Department of Education. However, its creation was an act of Congress, and dismantling it would require another congressional action.
4. Role in Education Policy: Some believe the Department of Education is overly involved in setting educational standards and policies. In truth, its primary role is to support states financially and ensure compliance with federal laws, such as civil rights protections.
5. Impact on States’ Rights: Critics argue that eliminating the Department would significantly reduce federal oversight and return authority to states. However, supporters argue that the department plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and equity across states.