Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system
Summary
The U.S. Department of Education is changing how it handles complaints about disability discrimination and special education. Civil rights enforcement will move to the Department of Justice, and special education will move to the Department of Health and Human Services, a shift that has worried many families and advocates who fear it will cause delays and complications.Key Facts
- Parents of children with disabilities have faced long waits for the Education Department to act on bullying and discrimination complaints.
- In spring 2024, Nicole May in Ohio filed a complaint about her daughter's bullying; it remains unresolved after more than two years.
- The Department of Justice will now handle civil rights enforcement in schools.
- The Department of Health and Human Services will take over oversight of special education.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon supports the changes, saying they will provide better help to families.
- Critics argue special education should not be run by a health-focused agency, as disabilities affect learning differently than medical conditions.
- The Education Department’s civil rights office and special education office have seen significant staff cuts since 2024.
- Some attorneys and families are seeking justice for discrimination cases outside the federal Education Department system because of delays.
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