The Education Department's Civil Rights Office Lost Most of Its Staff. Schools Are Still Waiting on Complaints.

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights - the federal office responsible for investigating discrimination complaints from students and families - lost a significant share of its staff in the DOGE-era workforce reductions. The backlog of unresolved complaints is growing.

What You Should Know

The Education Department’s civil rights division was among the agencies targeted in DOGE-led layoffs. A GAO analysis found that the mass firings in the division cost $38 million - with employees paid months after termination because dismissal procedures were improperly followed, resulting in settlements and back-pay obligations.

The office handles complaints involving discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and national origin at schools that receive federal funding. Students and families file thousands of complaints with the office each year.

The System Under Pressure

The mass firings reduced the number of investigators available to review and respond to active complaints. Historically, the OCR has maintained resolution standards that affect whether schools remain in compliance with federal civil rights law and, as a result, continue to receive federal funding. With fewer staff and a growing backlog, those standards are under strain.

The CBPP’s administration watch confirmed the Education Department’s workforce cuts bypassed standard congressional oversight. The administration cut more personnel overall than its own 2026 budget proposal had called for - and the cuts happened before Congress finalized appropriations.

The Receipts

PBS/NewsHour confirmed the GAO $38 million finding on DOE civil rights division layoffs. CBPP documented the personnel cuts bypassing Congress. Brookings confirmed the overall pattern of cuts exceeding the administration’s own proposed budget figures.

What Happens Next

Students and families with active civil rights complaints face longer resolution timelines. Schools in states facing pressure from the administration may see less federal scrutiny of their civil rights compliance. A coalition of civil rights organizations has filed suit challenging the adequacy of the department’s complaint processing capacity.

References: PBS NewsHour | CBPP