Dozens of former staffers are returning to the U.S. Education Department after being placed on administrative leave during a series of layoffs, as the agency struggles with a growing backlog of civil rights complaints. The return comes amid legal disputes over the earlier mass reductions in force in the department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which investigates discrimination in schools and colleges.The department has said the reinstatement of employees is necessary to address the mounting caseload. Julie Hartman, a department spokesperson, told the Associated Press that “the Department will continue to appeal the persistent and unceasing litigation disputes concerning the Reductions in Force, but in the meantime, it will utilise all employees currently being compensated by American taxpayers,” as quoted by the Associated Press.OCR staff recalled to tackle backlogIn a letter to employees obtained by the Associated Press, department officials instructed that all OCR staff return to duty starting December 15 to prioritise the office’s existing complaint caseload. The OCR handles complaints ranging from disability discrimination to racial or religious discrimination in education institutions.The mass layoffs had targeted more than 200 OCR employees, reducing the overall Education Department workforce from 4,100 at the start of President Donald Trump’s term to roughly half that number. Legal challenges temporarily blocked the firings, but subsequent appeals have left the status of many positions in flux.Backlog continues to rise despite staffing changesData provided by the department shows that when Trump took office, the OCR had about 20,000 unresolved complaints. Since then, despite the reduced workforce, the backlog has grown to over 25,000, as reported by the Associated Press. Families filing complaints have noted long waits and minimal responses, highlighting the pressure on the office.Trump administration officials have defended the staff reductions, citing efficiency concerns. Some former employees have said the current staffing levels make it impossible for the OCR to resolve all pending cases, as quoted by the Associated Press.“The Department needs all OCR staff to prioritise OCR’s existing complaint caseload,” the letter obtained by the Associated Press said. Officials did not specify how many employees would return, and some who had been on administrative leave have since left the agency.OCR’s role in enforcing civil rightsThe OCR enforces multiple civil rights laws in education, including protections against discrimination based on race, sex, disability, or religion. It investigates complaints from students nationwide and has authority to cut funding to institutions that violate federal law, though most cases are resolved through voluntary agreements, as reported by the Associated Press.
