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, the federal agency responsible for supporting public education across the United States. On March 24, 2025, several school districts and labor organizations filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. They named President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon as Defendants. The plaintiffs…

This case is one of several challenging the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the federal agency responsible for supporting public education across the United States. On March 24, 2025, several school districts and labor organizations filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. They named President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon as Defendants. 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 plaintiffs 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.

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.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Karma Karira (4/1/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69778837/parties/somerville-public-schools-v-trump/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Bardwell, Will (Massachusetts)

Goldstein, Elena (Massachusetts)

Homer, Rachel F. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Bruns, Michael Benjamin (Massachusetts)

Farquhar, Rayford A. (Massachusetts)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-10677

Complaint

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Complaint

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69778837/somerville-public-schools-v-trump/

Last updated April 21, 2025, 2:53 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

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2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet

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March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Clearinghouse

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
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
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
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

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

PACER
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
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

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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

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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4 Exhibit 4

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5 Exhibit 5

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6 Exhibit 6

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7 Exhibit 7

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8 Exhibit 8

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9 Exhibit 9

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10 Exhibit 10

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11 Exhibit 11

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12 Exhibit 12

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13 Exhibit 13

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14 Exhibit 14

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15 Exhibit 15

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16 Exhibit 16

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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

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April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

RECAP

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

PACER
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
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

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
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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
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

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Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Education

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

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

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Separation of Powers

Take Care Clause

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)