The Education Department is rapidly dismissing civil rights complaints as the White House continues to shrink the department’s operations.
According to court documents filed in early July, the Office of Civil Rights dismissed over 3,400 of the 4,833 complaints it received between March and June 2025. Less than 100 of those cases were resolved due to a lack of evidence. Another 290 complaints were settled via voluntary agreements or assistance. The reason for the dismissal of the thousands of other cases is not yet known.
This office investigates allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, or national origin. The dismissal of all these cases comes months after hundreds of employees were laid off, and most of its offices were closed.
The role the Office of Civil Rights plays in enforcing civil rights laws and ensuring equal access to education for all students cannot be overstated. It has historically championed equal rights for women and girls, students of color, those with disabilities, and more.
Whether or not students and families can continue to confidently rely on the Office of Civil Rights to help is not clear.
The attorneys at Kennedy Hunt P.C. are experts in education law and champions for students and families. Our attorneys exclusively represent students and have filed many cases against school districts over alleged civil rights violations. Read more about the education law cases we take on here. If you or someone you know has been a victim of discrimination, the skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt, P.C. can help. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim.