ProPublica has sued the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for failing to comply with multiple
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking records related to civil rights investigations
and agency communications. The lawsuit alleges that under Secretary Linda McMahon, the
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has become significantly less transparent, with reduced public
reporting, undisclosed case resolutions, and a shift in enforcement priorities. Staffing cuts and
office closures have further weakened the agency, contributing to a growing backlog of
discrimination complaints—many of which are reportedly dismissed without investigation.
ProPublica argues that the lack of transparency undermines public accountability and obscures
decisions affecting millions of students and families.

Read about ProPublica vs. U.S. Department of Education Lawsuit.