Mass Layoffs Hit U.S. Education Department’s Special Education Office
The U.S. Department of Education has slashed dozens of jobs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), raising deep concerns for the nation’s 7.5 million children with disabilities.
According to multiple department sources, nearly all OSERS staff were cut in a recent reduction-in-force. The move affects those responsible for managing $15 billion in special education funding and ensuring states comply with federal disability laws.
Rights at Risk
This decision is devastating,” said one department employee. “It weakens protections for children and youth with disabilities.”
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees every child the right to a free and appropriate public education. For decades, OSERS staff have monitored states, reviewed compliance reports, and responded to families seeking help.
Now, employees fear a vacuum in federal oversight. “Without us, no one ensures states deliver the services children deserve,” another staff member explained.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Union officials and education advocates argue the cuts may violate federal law. The IDEA requires the Education Department to maintain an office to manage special education programs. Eliminating most staff, they say, effectively dismantles that mandate.
The Trump administration insists it aims to give more control to states. However, experts warn that inconsistent state interpretations could leave students vulnerable.
One state education director said, “Federal oversight ensures accountability. Without it, children with disabilities could lose vital protections.”
As thousands of federal workers await termination, parents and educators fear the worst: a system without a safety net for the nation’s most vulnerable learners.
