Ellis Graduation Gallery
In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the decision ‘indefensible.’ Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said the job cuts are a first step toward eliminating the department, although a legal challenge to the layoffs can continue in the lower courts.
Despite the judge’s ruling, officials at American Paradigm Schools charter network, which operates Memphis Street Academy, say they expect to continue to operate the school this fall.
Students will be expected to demonstrate that they are global citizens and critical thinkers to graduate. How they will be assessed remains an open question.
A federal district court judge ordered the restoration of some AmeriCorps staff and funding on July 7. But the group’s work could still be significantly disrupted for some time due to the Trump administration’s attempts to cut its spending.
The withheld funds pay for after-school programming, teacher training, and support for English learners. Trump administration officials said the funds are under review due to suspicion they have been ‘grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.’
Republican Rep. Mark White and Sen. Brent Taylor said the pending $6 million independent financial audit of MSCS will inform their next moves. Both introduced bills to create state-controlled boards in charge of the district that failed this spring.