A federal judge has permitted the Trump administration to move forward with terminating nearly all staff at the Community Relations Service, a Justice Department unit that mediates civil rights conflicts. US District Judge Indira Talwani rejected a request to block the layoffs on Thursday, though she indicated the community groups challenging the decision would probably prevail in proving that only lawmakers can disband an agency Congress established.
The judge determined that the plaintiffs failed to show they would suffer lasting damage from the agency's closure. Organizations that previously relied on the service did not specify current needs that would cause permanent harm during litigation, Talwani wrote in her ruling. The groups argue the administration violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964, administrative law, and constitutional separation of powers by unilaterally eliminating the office.
Budget documents reveal the Justice Department plans to shutter all Community Relations Service locations before the fiscal year 2025 concludes, with no money allocated for 2026. The agency was formed through Title X of the landmark 1964 civil rights legislation to resolve discrimination disputes and prevent hate crimes. A separate judge blocked mass federal layoffs linked to the ongoing government shutdown earlier this week.
The judge determined that the plaintiffs failed to show they would suffer lasting damage from the agency's closure. Organizations that previously relied on the service did not specify current needs that would cause permanent harm during litigation, Talwani wrote in her ruling. The groups argue the administration violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964, administrative law, and constitutional separation of powers by unilaterally eliminating the office.
Budget documents reveal the Justice Department plans to shutter all Community Relations Service locations before the fiscal year 2025 concludes, with no money allocated for 2026. The agency was formed through Title X of the landmark 1964 civil rights legislation to resolve discrimination disputes and prevent hate crimes. A separate judge blocked mass federal layoffs linked to the ongoing government shutdown earlier this week.
