A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting a recent effort to close the U.S. Department of Education, blocking the termination of over 1,300 employees and the reassignment of key departmental functions to other federal agencies.

The injunction, issued on May 22, 2025, by a U.S. District Court in Boston, temporarily suspends actions outlined in a recent executive order that directed the closure of the department. The order had included plans to eliminate thousands of positions and shift responsibilities such as federal student loan management and special education oversight to other agencies.

The legal challenge was brought by multiple states, school districts, and educational organizations, who argued that the executive branch lacked the authority to unilaterally dismantle a federal department created by Congress. The judge agreed, ruling that any such significant reorganization would require legislative approval.

In his decision, the judge also noted the potential disruption to essential services, including the management of more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans and the enforcement of civil rights protections in education. The ruling requires the reinstatement of all dismissed employees and prohibits further transfer of the department’s functions while legal proceedings continue.

A spokesperson for the administration defended the effort as a lawful reorganization aimed at increasing efficiency and confirmed that an appeal of the court’s decision is forthcoming.