Mass Layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education: Impacts on Higher Education
March 18, 2025
At a Glance
On March 11, 2025, the Department of Education announced a significant reduction in force (RIF), dismissing almost half of its 4,133 employees and closing most regional offices nationwide. These layoffs affect a broad range of departmental offices, including substantial cuts to staff levels at the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the Institute of Education Sciences. Employees impacted by the RIF will be placed on administrative leave as of Friday, March 21.
The layoff notification followed other recent and sweeping changes at the Department, including a shift — documented in its February 14 Dear Colleague Letter — in the Department’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws as they pertain to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education programs and campus life.
A coalition of attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the administration following the layoffs, arguing that the dismissals were unconstitutional (on grounds of separation of powers as well as ultra vires action outside the scope of executive or agency authority) and also violated the Administrative Procedure Act. A second lawsuit has also been filed by two parents and a parent advocacy organization, arguing that the OCR will be unable to fulfill its statutory obligations because of the RIF. Absent judicial intervention, the effects of the layoffs on postsecondary institutions and other stakeholders will become clearer in the coming weeks.
