Education Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Dismantling of Research Institute
Walter Hudson
April 4, 2025
Two prominent education policy organizations filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the Department of Education, challenging what they describe as the unlawful dismantling of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).
The Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, allege that the Department has effectively rendered IES non-functional through a massive staff reduction and the cancellation of numerous research contracts.
According to the complaint, the Department recently implemented a reduction in force affecting 90% of IES staff and terminated dozens of contracts that support congressionally mandated research. The plaintiffs argue these actions have left the institute unable to perform its statutory functions.
