Justice Department to Investigate ED’s Civil Rights Cases

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on June 17, 2026, that it will investigate the Education Department's (ED) handling of civil rights cases. This decision follows concerns raised by former staffers of ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) who believe the Justice Department's new approach may inadequately address certain student protections. These former staffers expressed apprehension that the shift could result in a less robust enforcement of civil rights laws within educational institutions. Conversely, officials from the Trump administration have stated that these concerns are unfounded and that the new investigative framework will not compromise student rights. The Justice Department's review aims to ensure that all civil rights complaints are addressed effectively and that students continue to receive the protections guaranteed by law. The specific details of the Justice Department's new approach and the precise nature of the concerns raised by former ED staffers were not fully elaborated upon in the initial announcement, but the investigation signifies a significant oversight of the ED's civil rights enforcement mechanisms.