Summary
The Education Department is facing significant staff cuts, affecting offices that manage special education and civil rights programs. The layoffs are happening during a period of government-wide job reductions initiated by President Trump. The staff cuts have led to concerns about the impact on services for students, particularly those in special education, low-income areas, and historically black colleges.
Key Facts
- The Education Department is laying off 466 workers, reducing its workforce by nearly a fifth.
- The layoffs are part of broader government cuts related to a federal shutdown.
- Offices affected by the cuts include those handling special education and civil rights enforcement.
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) office, which supports students with disabilities, is notably impacted.
- The cuts also affect the distribution of federal grants to schools, including low-income and after-school programs.
- There is an ongoing legal challenge against the layoffs from labor unions.
