A federal judge has issued a national preliminary injunction, stopping the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from shutting down the Job Corps program, including the Guthrie location, while a legal challenge plays out in court. The ruling ensures that all Job Corps centers remain open and fully operational during the ongoing litigation.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter’s ruling on Wednesday follows a temporary restraining order issued earlier this month. That earlier order directed the Department of Labor to immediately stop removing students from campus housing, terminating staff, or halting operations without approval from Congress.
“Once Congress has passed legislation stating that a program like the Job Corps must exist, and set aside funding for that program, the DOL is not free to do as it pleases; it is required to enforce the law as intended by Congress,” Carter wrote in the ruling.
Related article: Guthrie Job Corps Center to close as Federal Labor Department pauses nationwide program
The Department of Labor had argued that it was only pausing Job Corps activities—not closing the centers entirely—and thus was not bound by congressional procedures for program closure. Judge Carter rejected that argument, stating the DOL must follow the law as written.
Founded in 1964, Job Corps is a federal residential program that provides education, job training, housing, meals, and health care to low-income teens and young adults. It has long served as a crucial resource for youth who struggle to complete traditional high school programs and find employment.
The injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit brought by the National Job Corps Association (NJCA) and its co-plaintiffs. Donna Hay, President and CEO of the NJCA, called the decision a “significant milestone” that provides immediate stability to Job Corps students, staff, employers, and communities across the country.
“While not permanent, this legal victory gives us time—but not finality,” Hay said. “We are incredibly grateful and proud of the many ways you have led through this crisis. You have shown compassion, resiliency, strength and ingenuity — all things that help make Job Corps the amazing program and community it is.”
Hay emphasized that continued advocacy is essential and urged campuses to maintain outreach to members of Congress to support a permanent reversal of the closure efforts.
A spokesperson for the Department of Labor said the agency is working closely with the Department of Justice to evaluate the court’s decision.
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