Parents Defending Education (PDE), a group focused on parental rights in education, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education. This legal action, initiated on Thursday in Washington, D.C., aims to compel the department to release records that were not provided during the Biden administration.
The lawsuit claims that the Biden administration failed to properly respond to several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests made by PDE. These requests sought information about the department’s activities and communications, particularly regarding issues that the group believes involve politicization in K-12 education.
PDE Vice President Sarah Parshall Perry expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from the Department of Education. She stated that the group is eager to share information with the public about how taxpayer dollars were spent and the department’s previous initiatives.
The lawsuit specifically targets several FOIA requests, including those related to the National Parents and Family Engagement Council and communications from Education Department employee Kristina Ishmael. PDE also seeks documents concerning Catherine Lhamon, the assistant secretary for civil rights, and former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Additionally, the lawsuit mentions a request for any references to the phrase “from the river to the sea” by department staff.
PDE argues that the Department of Education has violated FOIA laws by not responding in a timely manner. They are asking a judge to order the department to produce the requested documents and explain any exemptions that may apply.
This lawsuit comes at a time of expected significant changes within the Department of Education. Former President Donald Trump is anticipated to sign an executive order aimed at dismantling the department, which could further impact the release of the requested records.