Court Blocks Data Disclosure by Education Dept. and OPM to DOGE Affiliates

Maryland Court Blocks Data Sharing by Federal Agencies

GREENBELT, Md.—A key legal step was taken on February 24 when the United States District Court for the District of Maryland issued a temporary restraining order. This order stops the Department of Education and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from sharing sensitive personal data with individuals linked to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) leads the case as the primary plaintiff.

Randi Weingarten, President of AFT, stated, “This is a significant decision that puts a firewall between actors whom we believe lack the legitimacy and authority to access Americans’ personal data and are using it inappropriately, without any safeguards.” She emphasized the importance of protecting personal information shared with the federal government for purposes such as securing financial aid or student loans.

The legal action, supported by groups including military veterans and unions representing a diverse workforce, challenges the Education Department and OPM. They claim a breach of the Privacy Act as these agencies allegedly allowed DOGE affiliates unauthorized access to systems holding sensitive information like Social Security numbers and health records.

Kristy Parker, counsel at Protect Democracy, which represents the plaintiffs, remarked, “Today, the court agreed with our claim that DOGE affiliates do not need to access Americans’ highly sensitive and private data to do their jobs.” Parker highlighted the ruling as a critical measure in safeguarding privacy rights.

The 33-page decision by Judge Deborah L. Boardman indicated that the initiatives associated with DOGE do not necessitate access to sensitive personal data. The judge pointed out that the government failed to justify why access was needed for workplace reform.

The court recognized the potential for irreparable harm to the plaintiffs if the temporary restraining order was not granted, stating that unauthorized data disclosure to DOGE affiliates constitutes harm that cannot be compensated monetarily.

The temporary order, effective until March 10, 2025, includes the following stipulations:

• The Education Department is barred from sharing personally identifiable information with DOGE affiliates.
• OPM is restricted from disclosing such information to any OPM employee primarily engaged in DOGE activities, except for OPM Chief Information Officer Greg Hogan.
• The court declined the plaintiffs’ request for action against the Treasury Department, citing an existing injunction in a separate case that already offers protection.

The full ruling can be accessed here.

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The AFT serves 1.8 million members across various sectors, including education from pre-K to higher education, as well as healthcare and government employees.