Trump moves special education and civil rights oversight out of Education Department

The Trump administration is further restructuring the Education Department by transferring oversight of special education and civil rights enforcement to other federal agencies. The Department of Justice will now handle civil rights enforcement in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education.

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The Trump Administration has been clear: as we scale back federal micromanagement when it hinders success, we are equally committed to bolstering the efficacy of federal oversight where it is essential.

This move aligns with President Trump's campaign pledge to "move education back to the states where it belongs." While Congress holds the authority to close the department, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has pursued agreements with other federal agencies to manage significant portions of the department's work, framing these changes as bolstering the efficacy of federal oversight where essential.

Previously, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services managed billions in grants and ensured compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Office for Civil Rights investigated discrimination complaints. These offices were among the most closely watched within the department.

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As is too often the case, traditionally underserved students, including students with disabilities, Black and Latino students, multilingual learners, students from low-income backgrounds, and students in rural communities, will bear the greatest burden created by this reckless decision, to which the disability and civil rights communities have already been vehemently opposed.

Advocacy groups like EdTrust express concern that these changes will diminish accountability and create uncertainty for families relying on these services. They argue that traditionally underserved students, including those with disabilities, minority students, and those from low-income backgrounds, will be disproportionately affected. The union representing department employees echoed these concerns, predicting chaos for students, families, and schools, and leaving vulnerable populations without necessary services or protection against discrimination.

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This will leave our most vulnerable students and families who have been shut out of our education system without the services they need and without protection when they face discrimination.