Case: Somerville Public Schools v. Trump

1:25-cv-10677 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: March 24, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is one of several challenging the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. On March 24, 2025, several school districts and labor organizations filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, suing President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The plaintiffs challenged the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle and eliminate the Department of Education, including a sweeping reduction in force and President Trump’s March 20, 2025 Executive Order, Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities. The complaint alleged that Defendants' actions violated the Separation of Powers, the Take Care ClauseI, and the Administrative Procedure Act ("APA"). This case was assigned to Judge Myong J. Joun.

The plaintiffs included two Massachusetts school districts—Somerville and Easthampton—as well as national and regional labor organizations representing educators and school staff: the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Massachusetts, AFSCME Council 93, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Represented by Democracy Forward, the plaintiffs argued that the Executive Order and mass terminations were a deliberate and unlawful attempt to eliminate a Cabinet-level agency that Congress created by statute in 1979. The plaintiffs maintained that only Congress has the authority to create or eliminate executive agencies, and that the President’s attempt to do so by Executive Order exceeded constitutional limits and violated the APA.

Claims from the Complaint

The plaintiffs made three claims. First, the plaintiffs asserted a Separation of Powers violation, arguing that the President cannot unilaterally abolish a federal agency that Congress established by law and continues to fund annually. They cited the legislative history and statutory provisions of the act that created the Education Department, which mandate that the Department carry out specific programs—such as student loan servicing, civil rights enforcement in schools, and the implementation of IDEA. The plaintiffs argued that the Executive’s attempt to dismantle the Department, including plans to shift responsibilities to other agencies (such as moving student loan oversight to the Small Business Administration and special education to HHS), represented a fundamental breach of constitutional boundaries.

Second, the plaintiffs invoked the Take Care Clause (U.S. Const. art. II, § 3), which requires the President to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." They argued that the Executive’s plan to shutter the Department—despite clear statutory mandates to the contrary—was not an execution of the law but an attempt to circumvent or nullify it. They emphasized that President Trump’s public statements, including directing Secretary McMahon to “put herself out of a job,” showed intent to defy Congress’s will.

Third, the plaintiffs challenged both the March 11, 2025 mass reduction in force (RIF) and the Executive Order as “final agency actions” that were arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law under the APA. They argued that the Department failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures and offered no lawful justification for terminating half its workforce—especially in light of regulations governing RIFs which prohibit using them to address performance issues, a rationale floated by the President. Moreover, the plaintiffs claimed that the firings disabled the Department’s ability to fulfill its statutory responsibilities, thus violating both the APA and the very laws the Department was supposed to enforce.

In support of these claims, the complaint presented detailed factual evidence, including public statements from President Trump and Secretary McMahon confirming their intention to dismantle the Department. It cited multiple agency memoranda, press releases, and media interviews in which Defendants characterized the RIF and Executive Order as part of a plan to abolish the agency. The complaint detailed the operational impact of these actions: the firing of the entire staff of key offices, such as the Office of Special Education Programs, Office of English Language Acquisition, and major portions of Federal Student Aid. The plaintiffs argued that this loss of institutional capacity had already disrupted critical services and will continue to harm students—especially those with disabilities, students from low-income backgrounds, and borrowers dependent on federal student aid.

To demonstrate harm, the plaintiffs provided district-level examples. Somerville Public Schools relied on federal funding for approximately 6% of its budget, about $3.5 million, including IDEA funds that supported special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Easthampton received around $800,000 in federal aid and has already faced difficulty in budgeting for summer and fall programs. Both districts reported that uncertainty about federal funds and the disappearance of Department staff who provided technical assistance has impaired their ability to make staffing and programmatic decisions. Similarly, union plaintiffs described how their members, teachers, aides, and student support professionals, depended on federal programs for salaries, training, and the provision of services to students.

The plaintiffs sought multiple forms of relief: a preliminary and permanent injunction blocking the reduction in force and implementation of the Executive Order; a declaratory judgment finding the President’s actions unlawful and unconstitutional; and attorneys’ fees and costs.

On April 1, 2025, plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of President Trump’s March 20 Executive Order and the mass layoffs at the Department of Education. After briefing, a hearing was held on April 25. The court ruled in plaintiffs' favor on May 22, entering a preliminary injunction for the pendency of the litigation. It enjoined the reduction in force, and the transfer of management of federal student loans and special education functions out of the Department. The court's order required the administration to reinstate federal employees whose employment was terminated as part of the reduction in force, and to "restore the Department to the status quo such that it is able to carry out its statutory functions."

On May 22, 2025, defendants appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The following day, they filed an emergency motion with the Court of Appeals to stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal. The appellate court denied an administrative stay and, on June 4, denied a stay pending appeal.

The case is now consolidated with State of New York v. McMahon, No. 25-1495 (1st Cir. June 4, 2025). Further updates in the appellate court can be found there.

show full summary

Summary Authors

Karma Karira (5/7/2025)

Clearinghouse (5/22/2025)

Emma Vayda (6/5/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69778837/parties/somerville-public-schools-v-trump-do-not-docket-in-this-case-all-filings/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bardwell, Will (Massachusetts)

Bull, Gina (- United States (national) -)

Attorney for Defendant

Bruns, Michael Benjamin (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Abelson, Dana A. (- United States (national) -)

Berman, Steve W. (- United States (national) -)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bardwell, Will (Massachusetts)

Bull, Gina (- United States (national) -)

Carpenter, Caityn Babington (- United States (national) -)

Chin, Elleanor H. (- United States (national) -)

Choi, Lucia (- United States (national) -)

Coates, Spencer Wade (- United States (national) -)

Crawford, Haleigh (- United States (national) -)

Day, David Dana (- United States (national) -)

Dirks, Katherine B. (- United States (national) -)

Ehler, Karyn L. (- United States (national) -)

Fernandes, Kalikoonalani Diara (- United States (national) -)

Flynn, Elizabeth C. (- United States (national) -)

Garrett, Clinten N. (- United States (national) -)

Gibson, Charlotte (- United States (national) -)

Giovanatti, Neil (- United States (national) -)

Goldstein, Elena (Massachusetts)

Gradowski, Kathryn (- United States (national) -)

Grieco, Matthew William (- United States (national) -)

Halloran, Kathleen Ann (- United States (national) -)

Homer, Rachel F. (Massachusetts)

Hunger, Sarah A. (- United States (national) -)

Hyman, Nathaniel J. (- United States (national) -)

Jamieson, Keith (- United States (national) -)

Kassab, Vanessa L. (- United States (national) -)

Koch, Robert A. (- United States (national) -)

Kramer, Elizabeth C. (- United States (national) -)

Liston, Ian R. (- United States (national) -)

Lumelsky, Anna Esther (- United States (national) -)

Magenis, Sean D. (- United States (national) -)

Mendrala, Andrew C. (- United States (national) -)

Morejon, Amanda I. (- United States (national) -)

Moskowitz, David (- United States (national) -)

Muqaddam, Rabia (- United States (national) -)

Murdukhayeva, Ester (- United States (national) -)

Newman, Michael Louis (- United States (national) -)

Nugent, Victoria S. (Massachusetts)

Palmer, Jessica L. (- United States (national) -)

Perwez, Adnan (Massachusetts)

Rayner, Ewan Christopher (- United States (national) -)

Reyes, Natasha Adriana (- United States (national) -)

Richie, Joseph Robert (- United States (national) -)

Ring, Patrick (- United States (national) -)

Roberts, Katharine M. (- United States (national) -)

Rose, Jonathan T. (- United States (national) -)

Salmon, Leigh (- United States (national) -)

Samburg, Mark (Massachusetts)

Schellenberg, Kali J. (Massachusetts)

Sepe, Cristina (- United States (national) -)

Shavit, Yael (- United States (national) -)

Simon, Andrew (- United States (national) -)

Skold, Michael Kenneth (- United States (national) -)

Srividya, Panchalam Seshan (- United States (national) -)

Stanley, James Edward (- United States (national) -)

Thomas-Jensen, Molly (- United States (national) -)

Attorney for Defendant

Bruns, Michael Benjamin (Massachusetts)

Farquhar, Rayford A. (Massachusetts)

Freeman, Mark R. (- United States (national) -)

George, Abraham R. (- United States (national) -)

Lockhart, Donald Campbell (- United States (national) -)

McArthur, Eric Dean (- United States (national) -)

Myers, Steven A. (- United States (national) -)

Patterson, Melissa N. (- United States (national) -)

Rosenberg, Brad P. (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Abelson, Dana A. (- United States (national) -)

Berman, Steve W. (- United States (national) -)

Engelen, Breanna Van (- United States (national) -)

Grant, John (- United States (national) -)

Melanson, Raffi (- United States (national) -)

Pershing, Abigail (- United States (national) -)

Stern, Heidi Parry (- United States (national) -)

STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK N. (- United States (national) -)

Verdoia, Stephanie (- United States (national) -)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 1:25-cv-10677	Complaint	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 Complaint
45 1:25-cv-10677	Memorandum and Order on Consolidated Plaintiffs' Motions for Preliminary Injunction State of New York v. McMahon	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 1463009
108295196 25-1495	Opinion Somerville Public Schools v. McMahon U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit	June 4, 2025	June 4, 2025 Order/Opinion 139 F.4th 63

show / hide documents

Resources

Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
EO 14242 - Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities President Donald Trump	Directing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local Communities.	March 20, 2025	March 20, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/...
Press Release - U.S. Department of Education Initiates Reduction in Force U.S. Department of Education	Announcing that the U.S. Department of Education initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50% of the Department’s workforce, with Impacted Department staff to be placed on administrative…	March 11, 2025	March 11, 2025 https://www.ed.gov/...

show / hide resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69778837/somerville-public-schools-v-trump-do-not-docket-in-this-case-all-filings/

Last updated Sept. 5, 2025, 7:11 p.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Education Filing fee: $ 405, receipt number AMADC-10908277 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Category Form Category Form, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025) 1 Category Form Category Form View on PACER 2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 Clearinghouse
10	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Kali Schellenberg Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908675 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Kali Schellenberg)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
11	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Will Bardwell. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
12	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 6 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Elena Goldstein. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
13	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Rachel F. Homer. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
14	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Adnan Perwez. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
15	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Kali Schellenberg. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
2	ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Myong J. Joun assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (CEH) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
3	Summons Issued as to Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Education. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (NMC) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 RECAP
4	NOTICE of Appearance by Mark Samburg on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
5	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Will Bardwell Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908619 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Will Bardwell)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
6	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Elena Goldstein Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908628 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Elena Goldstein)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
7	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Rachel F. Homer Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908634 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Rachel F. Homer)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
8	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Victoria S. Nugent Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908640 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Victoria S. Nugent)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
9	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Adnan Perwez Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10908658 by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Adnan Perwez)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 03/24/2025)	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
	Notice of Case Assignment	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear	March 24, 2025	March 24, 2025 PACER
16	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Victoria S. Nugent. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 03/25/2025)	March 25, 2025	March 25, 2025 PACER
	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear	March 25, 2025	March 25, 2025 PACER
17	NOTICE of Appearance by Rachel F. Homer on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 03/26/2025)	March 26, 2025	March 26, 2025 PACER
18	NOTICE of Appearance by Will Bardwell on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Bardwell, Will) (Entered: 03/27/2025)	March 27, 2025	March 27, 2025 PACER
19	NOTICE of Appearance by Elena Goldstein on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Goldstein, Elena) (Entered: 03/27/2025)	March 27, 2025	March 27, 2025 PACER
20	NOTICE of Appearance by Adnan Perwez on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Perwez, Adnan) (Entered: 03/27/2025)	March 27, 2025	March 27, 2025 PACER
21	NOTICE of Appearance by Kali J. Schellenberg on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Schellenberg, Kali) (Entered: 03/27/2025)	March 27, 2025	March 27, 2025 PACER
22	NOTICE of Appearance by Victoria S. Nugent on behalf of Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union (Nugent, Victoria) (Entered: 03/27/2025)	March 27, 2025	March 27, 2025 PACER
23	MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union.(Bardwell, Will) (Entered: 03/28/2025)	March 28, 2025	March 28, 2025 RECAP
24	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 23 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (JL) (Entered: 03/28/2025)	March 28, 2025	March 28, 2025 PACER
	Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages	March 28, 2025	March 28, 2025 PACER
25	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/01/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2025 RECAP
26	MEMORANDUM in Support re 25 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/01/2025)	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2025 RECAP
27	DECLARATION re 26 Memorandum in Support of Motion, by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 13, # 14 Exhibit 14, # 15 Exhibit 15, # 16 Exhibit 16)(Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/01/2025) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 7 View on RECAP 8 Exhibit 8 View on RECAP 9 Exhibit 9 View on PACER 10 Exhibit 10 View on PACER 11 Exhibit 11 View on PACER 12 Exhibit 12 View on PACER 13 Exhibit 13 View on PACER 14 Exhibit 14 View on PACER 15 Exhibit 15 View on PACER 16 Exhibit 16 View on PACER	April 1, 2025	April 1, 2025 RECAP
28	NOTICE of Appearance by Brad P. Rosenberg on behalf of U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon (Rosenberg, Brad) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
29	SUMMONS Returned Executed U.S. Department of Education served on 3/31/2025, answer due 4/21/2025. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
30	SUMMONS Returned Executed Linda McMahon served on 3/31/2025, answer due 4/21/2025. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
31	SUMMONS Returned Executed Donald J. Trump served on 3/31/2025, answer due 4/21/2025. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
32	SUMMONS Returned Executed as to US Attorney by American Association of University Professors, American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Easthampton Public Schools, Somerville Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
33	SUMMONS Returned Executed by American Association of University Professors, American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Easthampton Public Schools, Somerville Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/02/2025)	April 2, 2025	April 2, 2025 PACER
34	Assented-to MOTION for Revised Briefing Schedule and Request for Leave to File Additional Pages by U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Rosenberg, Brad) (Entered: 04/04/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	April 4, 2025	April 4, 2025 RECAP
35	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 34 Assented-to MOTION for Revised Briefing Schedule and Request for Leave to File Additional Pages: Consolidated opposition to 25 Motion for Preliminary Injunction due 4/11/2025 and reply due by 4/18/2025. (JL) (Entered: 04/04/2025)	April 4, 2025	April 4, 2025 PACER
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply	April 4, 2025	April 4, 2025 PACER
36	NOTICE of Appearance by Rayford A. Farquhar on behalf of U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon (Farquhar, Rayford) (Entered: 04/07/2025)	April 7, 2025	April 7, 2025 PACER
37	NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Benjamin Bruns on behalf of U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon (Bruns, Michael) (Entered: 04/11/2025)	April 11, 2025	April 11, 2025 PACER
38	Opposition re 25 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon. (Bruns, Michael) (Entered: 04/11/2025)	April 11, 2025	April 11, 2025 RECAP
39	Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Reply Brief by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union.(Bardwell, Will) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	April 15, 2025	April 15, 2025 PACER
40	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 39 Plaintiff's Assented-to Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. (JL) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	April 15, 2025	April 15, 2025 PACER
	Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages	April 15, 2025	April 15, 2025 PACER
41	REPLY to Response to 25 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 93, American Association of University Professors, Service Employees International Union. (Homer, Rachel) (Entered: 04/18/2025)	April 18, 2025	April 18, 2025 RECAP
42	NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Benjamin Bruns on behalf of U.S. Department of Education, Donald J. Trump, Linda McMahon (Bruns, Michael) (Entered: 04/24/2025)	April 24, 2025	April 24, 2025 PACER
43	Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Myong J. Joun: Motion Hearing Held on 4/25/2025 re (#69) Motion for Preliminary Injunction in case 1:25-cv-10601-MJJ and (#25) Motion for Preliminary Injunction in case 1:25-cv-10677-MJJ. Both motions argued; motions taken under advisement. (Court Reporter: Jamie Halpin at jkhhalpin@gmail.com)(Attorneys present: Shavit, Hamilton, Bruns, Homer, Goldstein, Nugent, Hyman, and Muqaddam) Associated Cases: 1:25-cv-10601-MJJ, 1:25-cv-10677-MJJ(JL) (Entered: 04/25/2025)	April 25, 2025	April 25, 2025 PACER
	Motion Hearing AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction AND Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction	April 25, 2025	April 25, 2025 PACER
44	Notice of Supplemental Authorities re 25 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Homer, Rachel) (Main Document 44 replaced on 5/16/2025) (SP). (Additional attachment(s) added on 5/16/2025: # 1 Exhibit A) (SP). (Entered: 05/15/2025)	May 15, 2025	May 15, 2025 RECAP
45	Judge Myong J. Joun: ORDER entered GRANTING 25 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See attached Order. (SP)	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 Clearinghouse
46	Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. ORDER consolidating cases. 25-cv-10601 is now the Lead Case. All entries to be made in Lead Case. (SP) (Entered: 05/22/2025)	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 PACER
47	NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 45 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Education. Fee Status: US Government. NOTICE TO COUNSEL: A Transcript Report/Order Form, which can be downloaded from the First Circuit Court of Appeals web site at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov MUST be completed and submitted to the Court of Appeals. Counsel shall register for a First Circuit CM/ECF Appellate Filer Account at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/cmecf. Counsel shall also review the First Circuit requirements for electronic filing by visiting the CM/ECF Information section at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cmecf. US District Court Clerk to deliver official record to Court of Appeals by 6/11/2025. (Rosenberg, Brad) (Entered: 05/22/2025)	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 RECAP
	Order consolidating cases	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 PACER
48	Certified and Transmitted Abbreviated Electronic Record on Appeal to US Court of Appeals re 47 Notice of Appeal. (MAP) (Entered: 05/23/2025)	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025 PACER
49	USCA Case Number 25-1500 for 47 Notice of Appeal, filed by U.S. Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump. (MAP) (Entered: 05/23/2025)	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025 PACER
	USCA Case Number	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025 PACER
50	OPINION of USCA as to (47 in 1:25-cv-10677-MJJ) Notice of Appeal, filed by U.S. Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, (130 in 1:25-cv-10601-MJJ) Notice of Appeal, filed by Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States. (MAP) (Entered: 06/04/2025)	June 4, 2025	June 4, 2025 RECAP
51	ORDER of USCA as to (47 in 1:25-cv-10677-MJJ) Notice of Appeal,,, filed by U.S. Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, (130 in 1:25-cv-10601-MJJ) Notice of Appeal,,, filed by Department of Education, Linda McMahon, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.Appellant's motion for a stay is denied. (MAP) (Entered: 06/04/2025)	June 4, 2025	June 4, 2025 RECAP
52	Judge Myong J. Joun: ORDER entered GRANTING (163) MOTION for Order to Enter Indicative Ruling and Schedule Rule 16 Conference Associated Cases: 1:25-cv-10601-MJJ, 1:25-cv-10677-MJJ(SP) (Entered: 08/11/2025)	Aug. 11, 2025	Aug. 11, 2025 RECAP

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Education

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Appointments/Civil Service

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 24, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Somerville Public Schools, Easthampton Public Schools, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Massachusetts, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 93, American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Public school districts and national and state-level labor unions representing educators, education workers, and academic professionals.

Plaintiff Type(s):

City/County Plaintiff

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States of America (- United States (national) -), Federal

Department of Education (- United States (national) -), Federal