Concerns rise for students with disabilities after department closure
On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to close the U.S. Department of Education. This department has been crucial in supporting students with disabilities. Trump's order raised concerns about the protection of these students' legal rights. Trump announced that the resources for students with disabilities would not be cut. He stated these responsibilities would be passed to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Currently, HHS enforces laws that protect students from discrimination. However, the Department of Education has been responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law guarantees that about 7.5 million children with disabilities receive a free education and necessary support. Experts in special education are worried about how the changes will affect funding and accountability for schools. Federal funding for special education, which amounted to $15.5 billion in 2024, is in question. Trump has not clarified whether funding will stay the same or how HHS will manage it. Critics fear that funding could be provided to states as block grants, allowing more flexibility but potentially less accountability for how the money is spent. Some lawmakers argue that Trump's decision to dissolve the Education Department is illegal and may result in significant issues for local communities. Rep. Jahana Hayes warned that schools might have to cut resources or increase local taxes to meet their obligations. The Department of Education has also been responsible for investigating civil rights complaints related to students with disabilities. However, staffing cuts have hindered this work. Many complaints may go unaddressed, raising concerns about fairness and justice for these students. Furthermore, the department has conducted important research on how well schools serve students with disabilities. With recent layoffs, the future of this research is uncertain. Experts highlight that differences in support across states could lead to inconsistencies for families moving between them. Overall, the changes raise important questions about the future of education for students with disabilities in the U.S.