Glenn Agre Recognized for Reversing Department of Education Staff Cuts

The legal battle, initiated in March 2025, targeted the closure of seven regional OCR offices under the Trump Administration. This reduction in force crippled the department's ability to investigate cases involving sexual assault, racial harassment, and disability-related bullying. Partners Reid Skibell, Jon Friedman, and Megan Reilly spearheaded the firm's efforts alongside Sean Ouellette, then of Public Justice, to represent the Victim Rights Law Center and affected families.

Following a federal court’s preliminary injunction that halted the staff cuts, the government ultimately agreed to rehire the terminated employees and restore the closed offices. The case gained national attention for highlighting the human consequences of federal policy shifts. During the award ceremony held October 1 at Boston’s Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, Jon Friedman emphasized that the firm’s advocacy sought to ensure students could rely on the government to uphold their civil rights. Reid Skibell noted that the victory underscores the necessity of providing legal recourse for those who feel ignored by powerful institutions.