Special education in the US faces uncertainty as lawmakers push back against policy changes. Concerns have risen following layoffs at the department and President Donald Trump’s executive order to close the agency, with plans to transfer responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Key Concerns from Lawmakers
A group of 23 Democratic senators led by Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) has sent a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, demanding clarity on how the administration plans to uphold the rights of students with disabilities.
Their concerns include:
- Ensuring access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Impact of layoffs on the department’s ability to enforce disability rights laws.
- Effectiveness of transferring oversight from the experts to health professionals at HHS.
Advocates Raise Red Flags
The move to shift special education services to HHS has sparked opposition from teachers’ unions, disability rights groups, and parents. Critics argue that the professionals—not healthcare administrators—should oversee students’ educational needs.
“Shuttering the Department will cause immense harm to all students, especially those with disabilities,” the senators wrote.
Education vs. Healthcare Debate
The administration claims special the services will remain intact, but senators argue that moving programs to HHS will stretch the agency beyond its expertise. The Education Department has decades of experience in enforcing IDEA and ensuring equal access to the resources for students with disabilities.
Cuts to Special Education Research
Further concerns stem from budget cuts totaling:
- $900 million in education-related research contracts
- $600 million in educator preparation grants
Senators warn that these cuts will negatively impact critical research on best practices for students with disabilities, as well as worsen the existing special education teacher shortage.
What’s Next?
Congress will have the final say on whether the Education Department is dismantled. Meanwhile, lawmakers, advocacy groups, and educators continue to push for protections for students with disabilities.
The debate over special education in the US is far from over.
Source: USA Today
