Big cuts at the Education Department’s civil rights office will affect vulnerable students for years to come

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and fellow Democrats criticize President Donald Trump's plan to shutter the Education Department on March 6, 2025. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The U.S. Department of Education cut its workforce by nearly 50% on March 11, 2025, when it laid off about 1,315 employees. The move follows several recent directives targeting the Cabinet-level agency.

Within the department, the Office for Civil Rights – which already experienced layoffs in February – was especially hard hit by cuts.