Department of Education offices closed Wednesday for 'security reasons'

The Department of Education told staff in an email Tuesday that its offices would be closed Wednesday for “security reasons.” 

The email, obtained by NewsNation, said workers needed to leave the building by 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday and not return until Thursday. 

“Beginning today at 6:00 p.m., all ED offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be closed for security reasons. Employees must vacate the building by that time,” the email reads.  

“Employees will not be permitted in any ED facility on Wednesday, March 12th, for any reason.  All offices will reopen on Thursday, March 13th at which time in-person presence will resume,” it continues.

The department did not give any details about what the security concerns were.  

The Hill has reached out to the Department of Education for comment.  

The announcement comes as the federal agency has been under scrutiny for firing hundreds of employees and cutting millions of dollars in federal contracts.  

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the department was in its “final mission” and the “restoration will profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations here at the Department.”

“In coming months, we will partner with Congress and other federal agencies to determine the best path forward to fulfill the expectations of the President and the American people. We will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy so that our colleges, K-12 schools, students, and teachers can innovate and thrive,” she added.