The judge concurred with Massachusetts school districts and teachers who had requested the injunction, stating that the actions amounted to an unlawful closure of the Department of Education|Anne Meadows|CC BY 2.0

A district judge in Boston issued an injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Judge Myong Joun also ordered the administration to reinstate nearly 1,300 employees fired a few months back.

Judge Joun concurred with Massachusetts school districts and teachers who had requested the injunction, stating that the actions amounted to an unlawful closure of the agency, something only Congress has the authority to do.

Their argument also stated that the order would make it impossible for the department to fulfill its responsibilities outlined by Congress.

Madi Biedermann, the Education Department’s deputy assistant secretary for communications, said the administration would challenge the decision.