Trump's Layoffs Devastate Disabled Kids: OSEP Staff Cuts Leave Vulnerable Students at Risk

Trump's Layoffs Hit Disabled Kids Hard: OSEP Staff Reduction Sparks Concerns Last Friday, the federal Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued reduction-in-force notices to nearly all senior staff members, leaving only two employees in their positions. This move is part of a larger layoff effort that has affected 460 workers across the department, roughly one in five employees. According to Tom Hudson, a former OSEP employee who spoke on condition of anonymity, "The timing couldn't be worse. We're already struggling to keep up with the demand for services, and now we're losing some of our most experienced staff members." OSEP's primary responsibility is to distribute funding connected to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which supports approximately 7.5 million disabled students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The federal government is supposed to cover up to 40 percent of these costs, but in reality, it has only been paying around 13 percent. Despite this shortfall, the Department of Education still distributed around $15 billion to states in 2024 to support disabled students. However, the layoffs have raised concerns about the agency's ability to effectively manage and allocate these funds. "We're talking about kids who rely on these services to access education," said Hudson. "The impact will be felt for years to come." Background: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted in 1975 to ensure that disabled students have equal access to public education. OSEP is responsible for overseeing the implementation of IDEA and providing guidance to states on how to allocate federal funds. Additional Perspectives: "These layoffs are a clear indication of the administration's priorities," said Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "We need to ensure that our education system is equipped to support all students, including those with disabilities." "The Department of Education has been struggling to manage its budget for years," said a department spokesperson. "These layoffs are necessary to streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently." Current Status: The layoffs have left many OSEP staff members uncertain about their future. "We're trying to stay positive, but it's hard not to worry about what this means for our students and colleagues," said Hudson. Next Developments: The Department of Education has announced plans to reorganize its Office of Special Education Programs, which may lead to further staffing changes. Advocates for disabled students are calling on Congress to increase funding for IDEA and provide more support for OSEP staff. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the impact of these layoffs will be felt far beyond the Department of Education's walls. *Reporting by Motherjones.*