Federal Cuts Leave Michigan Civil Rights Cases in Limbo

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters

Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy.

George Finley Jr., once an honor roll student, has faced academic setbacks due to memory loss from epileptic seizures. Although the Detroit Public Schools Community District agreed to provide external tutoring for George, his mother, Sheri King, reports that this promise remains unfulfilled as the school year approaches its end.

“My son is not progressing,” King expressed with concern over the lack of communication from the district.

The situation for George is not unique. Across Michigan and the nation, parents dealing with federal civil rights complaints related to disabilities, racial discrimination, or sexual violence in schools are left in limbo. The Trump administration’s decision to significantly reduce the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce disrupted communication and halted case progress, leaving many, like King, uncertain about their children’s futures.

In February, hundreds of civil rights cases were temporarily halted under the new administration. By March, Education Secretary Linda McMahon ended the pause, but the U.S. Department of Education was left with a significantly reduced workforce after the closure of several regional offices, including the Cleveland office that served Michigan.

The restructuring left an already backlogged system struggling to handle complaints efficiently. In Michigan alone, there are 782 open investigations, with 462 related to disability discrimination.

Parents like Jacquelyn Binford, whose son requires occupational therapy, have seen their cases stall. Despite having scheduled a mediation hearing, she received no confirmation, leaving her waiting for updates as her son struggles to keep up with his peers.

Hundreds of federal civil rights cases were put on hold after President Donald Trump took office. On Feb. 20, Craig Trainor, now the deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Office for Civil Rights, resumed cases related to disability discrimination but continued to delay others.

Advocates argue that the workforce reduction has severely impacted the department’s capacity to uphold civil rights protections, leading to a significant caseload increase for remaining staff. The backlog has left families, like those in Michigan, without timely resolutions to their grievances.

“The reality is, cases aren’t moving, period,” a former attorney from the Cleveland office remarked under anonymity.

Critical services, safety at stake for children, workers say

The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for upholding federal protections for students, ensuring quick resolution of complaints is vital for their safety and education. The department enforces compliance with laws like Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act, aiming to guarantee equal educational access for all students.

Delays in resolving cases can lead to severe consequences, such as students being denied necessary support or remaining unsafe in their learning environments. Former employees emphasize the importance of prompt intervention to prevent these outcomes.

In Michigan, families await the results of an ongoing investigation into allegations that students with disabilities were denied their rights during pandemic-related school closures.

The federal investigation has accused the Michigan Department of Education of inadequate service provision and incorrect information dissemination. The investigation seeks compensatory measures for affected students.

Despite the challenges, some parents, like Marcie Lipsitt, remain hopeful for a resolution. Lipsitt’s complaint about the alleged violations during COVID-era closures is still pending a final ruling.

“We’re still waiting every day to see what happens,” Lipsitt stated.

Caseloads have doubled since federal cuts, former staff say

The Department of Education has seen its caseloads more than double following the staff reductions. The remaining staff must now manage an increased volume of cases, often without the necessary knowledge of state-specific laws previously held by experienced attorneys.

A federal lawsuit filed against the department claims it has failed to protect students’ rights, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and unsafe learning conditions.

Families in Michigan, like Lyn Hollister, continue to face challenges in securing appropriate educational support for their children. Hollister, whose daughters require curriculum adjustments, is still fighting for necessary changes to their education plans.

Many parents are left considering new school districts or alternative educational options, though such solutions may not always be feasible or effective.

“We’re hoping in this new district, they can finally have a team to support our children to be the best that they can be,” Hollister said.