Federal move shifts major K–12 and higher education programs to U.S. Dept of Labor
In a major shakeup for public schools and colleges, the federal government announced on Nov. 18 that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will take over nearly all grant programs currently managed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This includes the $18 billion Title I program, along with funding for teacher training, English language instruction, and TRIO programs that help low-income students earn college degrees.
Many education leaders say the move puts students and federal protections at risk.
Washington Sen. Patty Murray strongly criticized the decision, warning that the Trump administration is endangering billions in education funding.
“When you shift a program or a department to another agency that has no clue how to administer it, or how to get money out, or even cares about it, you eventually lose it, and that’s what will happen,” Murray said.
President Trump has long pushed to eliminate the Department of Education. Senator Murray argues that shifting programs to other agencies is an illegal attempt to dismantle the department without congressional approval.
Who is the Labor Secretary now overseeing these programs?
The newly confirmed Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is a former Oregon member of Congress and small business owner. She is the daughter of a Teamster and actively sought union support during her unsuccessful reelection campaign. More than 20 unions—mostly smaller local unions—endorsed her, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 endorsed both her and her opponent, Democratic Rep. Janelle Bynum.
Chavez-DeRemer lost that race, but she gained the attention of President Trump, who nominated her to lead the Labor Department. She will now oversee the education programs being transferred from ED to DOL.
Which Education Offices Are Moving?
The following offices and programs will shift from ED to the Labor Department:
- Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Office of Postsecondary Education
- Office of Civil Rights
- Office of Indian Education
The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education has already moved. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services will stay at ED for now.
Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal warned that these changes could harm students who depend on federal civil rights protections.
“The Department’s stated goals for the transitions are to ‘return education to the states’ and to eliminate federal bureaucracy,” Reykdal said. “There is no evidence that this change would make progress on either of these goals.
“Instead, these changes increase the number of federal agencies with oversight of K-12 education five-fold, undoubtedly creating confusion and duplicity for the educators, administrators and families across the nation who engage with ED staff regularly.”
For PSE members, these changes could affect how federal dollars reach Washington’s schools—and raise concerns about oversight, student protections, and long-term stability.