WASHINGTON – THE American Department of Education Announced Tuesday a Massive labor reductioncutting the staff by Almost half as part of President Donald Trump wider push for reduce the federal government.
The movement marks the First step towards dismantling the department, a long -standing objective of right -wing republicans plead Decentralized educational policies.
Key developments:
- Total labor reduction: Almost 50% of employees affected.
- Initial disignrations and departments:: 600 employees voluntarily left in recent weeks.
- New layoffs:: 1,300 employees will be placed on administrative leave Since March 21receiving remuneration until June.
- Leadership declaration::
- Educational Secretary Linda McMahonAppointed only five days ago, described the movement to carry out Trump’s directive has Stop the department.
- “We eliminate bureaucratic bloating,” she told Fox News.
- Surveillance: Billionaire businessman Elon Musk Would save the reduction of the workforce across the government.
Impact on education programs:
- Student loans, Pell grants and special needs financing: These federal compulsory programs continue.
- Federal protection and protection of civil rights: Can weakenraise concerns concerning the responsibility of education.
Political reactions:
- Trump justification: Says that the decision Return power to states And Eliminate ineffectiveness.
- Democratic response::
- Senator Patty Murray condemned the cuts, warning of Fewer teachers, less responsibility and reduced resources For students.
- Critics argue that the decision is a Stointed door strategy To dismantle the Education department without Congress approval.
Background:
- THE American Department of Educationestablished in 1979Play a critical role in the financing of low -income schools, applying Protection of civil rightsAnd Monitor the students’ results.
- Trump has long promised has reduce federal influence In education, arguments should have complete control on schools.
While the The department cannot be legally abolished without Congress approvalCritics say layoffs effectively neutralize its influence without official vote.
