Education Department Reviews Potential Move For Special Education Operations

The Education Department is contemplating relocating its special education initiatives following the recent dismissal of nearly all personnel in the Office of Special Education Programs by the Trump administration, as confirmed by a department representative.Madi Biedermann, the deputy assistant secretary for communications, conveyed limited specifics regarding this potential shift but affirmed that the department is seeking new federal collaborators to facilitate this transition.“The Department is assessing additional federal partnerships to maintain the effectiveness of special education programs ensuring no disruption to services for students with disabilities, although no agreements have been finalized,” the statement noted.This initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s broader aim to overhaul the K-12 education system, which they have critiqued for perceived “wokeness.” This strategy, articulated in Project 2025, includes plans to dismantle the Department of Education.The outcome of this decision may impact the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which safeguards educational rights for approximately 7.5 million students with disabilities, including 16% who are Black.