The Trump administration on Tuesday accelerated its dismantling of the Education Department, delegating much of its work to protect the nation's at-risk students to other federal agencies. The Department of Justice will take over civil rights enforcement in education, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education, officials announced.
Key Changes and Concerns
The two affected offices — the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights — defend the rights of children with disabilities and those facing discrimination based on race, sex, or religion. Advocates warn that the shift could lead to communication lapses for families and school officials who rely on these services.
President Donald Trump, a Republican, campaigned on closing the Education Department, arguing that education should be handled by states. While only Congress can officially shut it down, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has formed agreements with other agencies to take over much of the department's work.
Official Statements
McMahon said the agreements align federal responsibilities with agencies best suited to support them. "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," she said in a statement.
Critics, however, argue that the changes create uncertainty for millions of students and families. EdTrust, a think tank advocating for educational equity, stated that underserved students — including those with disabilities, Black and Latino students, multilingual learners, and students from low-income backgrounds — will bear the greatest burden.
Impact on Special Education and Civil Rights
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services manages billions in grants and oversees state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Office for Civil Rights, already thinned by layoffs, investigates discrimination complaints at schools and universities.
The Department of Justice will also handle student privacy protection and provide training and advisory help to schools. However, the Education Department will retain some legally required tasks, such as responding to audits and issuing final determinations in civil rights cases.
Political Reactions
Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., called the announcement a political move to fulfill Trump's campaign promise, warning it will likely widen inequities for students of color and those with disabilities. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., criticized the scattering of education programs to agencies lacking expertise, calling it a misuse of taxpayer resources.
Rachel Gittleman, president of the union representing department employees, said the moves will create chaos for families, students, and schools, leaving vulnerable students without needed services or protection from discrimination.
Disability Advocates Oppose Transfer
The transfer of special education to HHS alarmed disability advocates, who argue that oversight of schools serving children with disabilities should remain with education experts. Jennifer Coco of the Center for Learner Equity said the IDEA is designed for learning alongside peers, not medical treatment, and HHS is unprepared to administer it effectively.
McMahon held listening sessions with families, advocates, and educators over six months, but Coco noted that participants opposed moving special education oversight out of the Education Department. "We have stark disagreement on the solution," she said.
