The Education Department's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access, according to ed.gov. Trump has claimed, without evidence, that many Department of Education employees weren't going to work or doing a good job.

The Department of Education doesn't oversee school curriculums, but it does offer a range of services affecting millions of Americans.

The layoffs are the first step toward dismantling the department, a goal espoused by President Donald Trump and his education secretary, Linda McMahon. Experts say they raise concerns about what the future will look like for civil rights enforcement as the Trump administration continues chipping away at federal oversight.