Federal workers sue Education Dept. over partisan emails
The American Federation of Government Employees filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5, 2025, alleging the U.S. Department of Education—under Secretary Linda McMahon—replaced employees’ out‑of‑office email replies with partisan language blaming 'Democrat Senators' for the Oct. 1 shutdown and in some cases reverted staff attempts to change the message. The complaint argues the policy compels employees to speak the administration’s political talking points and violates the First Amendment and federal ethics rules.
Politics
Legal
Education
📌 Key Facts
- AFGE filed the complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 5, 2025.
- The challenged out‑of‑office text cites H.R. 5371 and says 'Democrat Senators are blocking passage…' while stating the sender is in furlough status.
- Plaintiffs say employees did not consent, found their messages overwritten, and some who changed the messages saw them changed back.