Federal education officials announced layoffs affecting a significant portion of staff dedicated to critical programs, including special education services, financial support for disadvantaged students, and civil rights enforcement. The reductions come as the agency grapples with shifting priorities and budget constraints, raising concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable student populations. Employees across key divisions—ranging from disability rights advocacy to equitable funding initiatives—now face uncertainty amid the restructuring. The move underscores broader challenges in maintaining oversight of education equity programs at a time of heightened demand for federal intervention.
About a fifth of the agency’s remaining staff was affected, including employees working on special education, funding for low-income students and civil rights enforcement. By Sarah Mervosh Michael C.
