US Education Department hits major shake-up, puts employees on paid leave amid DEIA policy changes

The US Department of Education placed over 50 employees on paid administrative leave on February 2, 2025, amid sweeping changes to DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) programs under the Trump administration. Employees, many of whom had participated in diversity training, were suspended as part of broader efforts to eliminate DEIA initiatives across federal agencies. The move has raised concerns about disruptions to agency functions and the long-term impact on the workforce.