Attorney General Kwame Raoul has won a temporary restraining to stop the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 13, Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, sued the administration after it announced plans to eliminate half of the department’s workforce.
In his statement Raoul explains, “The Department of Education plays a crucial role in protecting K-12 education for all Americans – from ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to classrooms, to protecting students from discrimination and harassment,” He continues. “The Trump administration’s actions are unlawful, unconstitutional and most severely harm students who have the most need for the department’s programs and services. I’m pleased with the court’s decision, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues to ensure all children have the opportunity of a quality education.”
In Illinois, the court’s order will prevent the interruption of nearly $800 million in funding for schools that serve low-income students. Special education services for almost 280,000 Illinois students will continue to be supported by the Department of Education, and vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities, including students at the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, will not be interrupted.
The order will also allow the department to continue to gain resources to investigate complaints of discrimination filed by students with disabilities and make data and technical support available to Illinois educators and administrators. Federal support for college students completing the FAFSA and seeking federal financial aid will also continue.
