Education Dept. Scrambles as Civil Rights Backlog Explodes

Alvin Buyinza, Word in Black

More than 25,000 unresolved civil rights complaints have forced the department to abruptly recall sidelined OCR staff.

After months of employment limbo — and with thousands of civil rights complaints piling up — the U.S. Department of Education is abruptly calling hundreds of sidelined staffers at the Office of Civil Rights back to work.

The employees are being asked to return to work on Dec. 15 and report in person to their respective regional offices, according to a copy of an email from the Education Department shared with Word In Black. 

“We can confirm that the Department will temporarily bring back OCR staff from Administrative Leave, who will resume work starting December 15,” Julie Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education, said in a statement. “The Department will continue to appeal the persistent and unceasing litigation disputes concerning the Reductions in Force, but in the meantime, it will utilize all employees currently being compensated by American taxpayers.”

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The OCR is responsible for investigating and solving cases of discrimination — racism, sexism, or denial of special education services, for example —  in the nation’s public schools. But under the Trump administration, OCR has not only been weakened but has also been weaponized to attack diversity, equity, and inclusion. Amid all the political turmoil and staffing cuts, the office’s capacity has collapsed.

Learn why Black parents may no longer be able to rely on this system.

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