The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department’s civil rights agency have resulted in a substantial decline in civil rights investigations and enforcement actions. The data shows that the agency’s workload has decreased by nearly 40% since 2016, with a significant drop in investigations into complaints of discrimination and harassment. This decline has raised concerns among civil rights advocates, who argue that the Trump administration’s actions will have a devastating impact on vulnerable students, including those with disabilities, LGBTQ students, and students of color. The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws in schools, including Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, under the Trump administration, the OCR has undergone significant changes, including a reduction in staff and a shift in focus away from investigating complaints of discrimination. The data shows that the OCR has closed thousands of civil rights cases without taking any action, leaving many students and families without recourse. Civil rights advocates argue that the Trump administration’s actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the civil rights of marginalized communities. The decline in civil rights enforcement has also been criticized by Democrats, who argue that the Trump administration is abandoning its responsibility to protect vulnerable students. The Trump administration has defended its actions, arguing that the OCR was previously too aggressive in its enforcement efforts and that the changes are necessary to ensure that the agency is more efficient and effective. However, critics argue that the changes will have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, who rely on the OCR to protect their rights. The decline in civil rights enforcement has also raised concerns about the impact on student outcomes, including academic achievement and graduation rates. Research has shown that students who experience discrimination and harassment are more likely to experience poor academic outcomes and are less likely to graduate from high school. The Trump administration’s actions have also been criticized by educators, who argue that the decline in civil rights enforcement will create a more hostile and discriminatory school environment. The data shows that the OCR has received thousands of complaints of discrimination and harassment, but has failed to take adequate action to address these complaints. The decline in civil rights enforcement has also raised concerns about the impact on the broader civil rights movement, with many advocates arguing that the Trump administration’s actions are a significant setback for civil rights. The Trump administration’s actions have also been criticized by international human rights organizations, who argue that the decline in civil rights enforcement is a violation of international human rights law. The decline in civil rights enforcement has also raised concerns about the impact on the reputation of the United States as a global leader in human rights. The Trump administration’s actions have also been criticized by business leaders, who argue that the decline in civil rights enforcement will have a negative impact on the economy and will make it more difficult for businesses to attract and retain top talent.