Trump moves special education out of Education Department

Key Points:

• The Trump administration announced a major shift in the Education Department’s responsibilities, transferring enforcement of civil rights in education to the Department of Justice and oversight of special education to the Department of Health and Human Services.
• These changes dismantle key functions of the Education Department, sparking concerns from advocates who fear the move will disrupt services for at-risk students, including those with disabilities and students from minority and low-income backgrounds.
• Critics argue that shifting education programs to agencies lacking specific expertise could widen inequities and create confusion for families and schools relying on these services.
• Disability advocates particularly oppose transferring special education oversight to HHS, emphasizing that education experts—not medical agencies—are better suited to administer the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the move as aligning federal responsibilities with the agencies best equipped to handle them, though many families and advocates remain strongly opposed.