Taylor Cusimano
Contributing Writer
The University of California Student Association (UCSA) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency tied to Elon Musk and established under the 2024 Trump administration. As a prominent student-led organization, UCSA is challenging the federal government’s management of student data.
Representing over 230,000 students across 10 UC campuses, UCSA is suing the ED and DOGE for unlawfully sharing sensitive student information. The lawsuit raises significant concerns about privacy rights, government transparency, and personal data protection.
According to the legal filings, “People who take out federal student loans to afford higher education should not be forced to share their sensitive information with ‘DOGE.'” This case has significant implications, as it could establish critical legal boundaries preventing the federal government from sharing student data without explicit consent, reinforcing privacy protections for millions of Americans. If successful, the lawsuit may set a precedent for stronger protections over student data.
The UCSA seeks two primary legal outcomes: a declaratory judgment affirming that the ED violated students’ privacy rights and an injunction preventing further unauthorized sharing of student data with DOGE or any other external entity. If the court rules in favor of UCSA, the lawsuit could lead to greater transparency, stronger student control over financial information, and stricter federal regulations to safeguard against future privacy violations.
On Feb. 3, reports revealed that DOGE staff had gained unauthorized access to multiple internal systems within the ED. Legal filings describe the breach as unprecedented, exposing the personal data of over 42 million individuals. The information includes Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial aid details, and student loan records — data that students trusted the ED to protect.
Following the lawsuit filed on Feb. 7, a New York Federal Judge temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing the student data on Feb. 11. However, on Feb. 17, the temporary restraining order expired and the judge denied UCSA’s request for a permanent injunction, allowing DOGE to regain access.
As a federal agency, the ED is bound by the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits the improper disclosure and misuse of personal and financial information. The department’s records include tax-related data, which is protected under the confidentiality provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
While some argue that DOGE’s access to federal records is part of a broader effort to eliminate inefficiencies within government agencies, critics contend that the ED’s decision to share student data prioritizes bureaucratic convenience over privacy. The lack of transparency surrounding DOGE’s role in accessing sensitive information raises questions about who oversees the handling of student financial data.
With neither the ED nor DOGE addressing their recent actions, several Democrats sent a letter raising “serious concerns” about DOGE’s role at the ED. The letter demands an explanation on the information given and the purpose of the access. With this letter, the lawsuit extends beyond the UC system and highlights broader concerns about student privacy nationwide.
UCSA President Aditi Hariharan spoke of the significance of the lawsuit: “Students across the country did not consent to having our personal information shared with an unelected and non-Congressionally approved entity like DOGE, and we absolutely did not give permission for them to access it.”
This case could redefine student data privacy, setting a legal precedent that shapes how the federal government handles borrower information for generations to come.