For nearly 20 years, Beth Gellman-Beer dedicated her life to protecting students from the same bullying she endured growing up with disabilities. As a longtime staffer at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), her work centered on investigating discrimination and harassment claims in schools and colleges. But her career, and life, took an abrupt turn when President Donald Trump initiated sweeping layoffs in March, resulting in the dismissal of over 1,300 employees, including Gellman-Beer.

A Win, Then a Setback

In May, a federal judge in Boston reinstated Gellman-Beer’s position along with many of her colleagues. The moment felt like a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was short-lived. On July 14, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with the layoffs as the legal battle continues. For now, Gellman-Beer’s position remains protected due to a separate court order involving OCR staff, but the uncertainty looms.

Growing Concerns Over Impact

The ruling was met with disappointment among affected workers, though few were surprised. Former staffers have voiced concerns about the long-term implications of the layoffs. They fear that schools and students are already facing setbacks. Teachers are lacking key data that helps them make informed decisions, and disruptions to college financial aid systems have already surfaced. Additionally, doubts remain over whether the department has sufficient staff to implement President Trump’s new education policies tied to his major tax and spending law.

Trump's Reaction and Public Messaging

In stark contrast to the anxiety felt by workers, President Trump celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory for his administration. In a social media post, he framed it as a step toward reforming a system he believes has failed under federal control. “The Federal Government has been running our Education System into the ground,” he wrote. “But we are going to turn it all around by giving the Power back to the PEOPLE.”

A Department in Disarray

Despite Trump’s optimism, the internal picture of the Education Department tells a different story. The layoffs affected multiple regional offices—including the entire Philadelphia branch that Gellman-Beer led. Hundreds of OCR staffers were let go, dismantling teams that managed civil rights investigations and enforced equal education access.

Sarah Newman, another longtime employee who worked in the D.C. headquarters, described her experience since the layoffs as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” After clearing out her office in late March, she shared a sentiment many dismissed employees echoed: “We just need to move to the next phase of our careers, and our lives.”

Temporary Protection, Permanent Uncertainty

For now, Gellman-Beer’s role remains shielded, thanks to a separate lawsuit involving OCR staff. In a recent court filing dated July 15, Education Department Chief of Staff Rachel Oglesby confirmed that efforts are still underway to return some employees to their civil rights roles. Still, the broader future remains hazy.

With more legal proceedings ahead, many former staffers remain caught in a state of waiting—uncertain whether they are fighting for their old jobs or simply for closure.