WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that oversight of special education and civil rights will be transferred from the Education Department 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. Additionally, the Department of Justice will take responsibility for student privacy protection and provide training and advisory support to schools.
President Trump, a Republican, previously expressed intentions to reduce the role of the Education Department, advocating for a return of education oversight to state governments. Although Congress holds the authority to close the department, Education Secretary Linda McMahon has established agreements with other federal agencies to manage various functions of her department.
McMahon stated that these agreements align federal responsibilities with agencies that are best equipped to support them. She emphasized the administration's commitment to reducing federal micromanagement while ensuring effective federal oversight where necessary.
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights, which are being transferred, manage significant federal funding and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and investigate discrimination complaints in educational institutions.
Critics, including the think tank EdTrust, argue that these changes may undermine accountability and create uncertainty for families relying on these services. They expressed concern that traditionally underserved students, such as those with disabilities and from low-income backgrounds, may be disproportionately affected by this decision. Rachel Gittleman, president of the union representing Education Department employees, also criticized the move, suggesting it could lead to chaos for students and families needing support and protections against discrimination.