Fragmented Federal Education Plan Could Harm Students With Disabilities, Advocates Warn

Shifting key responsibilities from the U.S. Department of Education to other agencies threatens the rights of students with disabilities by reducing federal oversight of critical protections and disrupting established accountability systems. Critics warn that the move could undermine enforcement of civil rights laws, leaving vulnerable learners without consistent safeguards or clear recourse. The restructuring raises concerns over whether alternative agencies will maintain the same level of expertise and commitment to ensuring equal access to education. Without strong federal leadership, families and advocates fear gaps in support and compliance could widen.

Parceling out the U.S. Department of Education’s responsibilities to other agencies puts students with disabilities at risk by weakening federal enforcement of the laws that protect them and severing ...