Trump's New Layoffs Hurt Disabled Kids: Federal Education Agency Cuts Hundreds of Jobs
In a move that has sparked outrage among advocates for disabled students, the Trump administration announced last Friday that it would be laying off hundreds of employees from the federal Department of Education. The cuts, part of a broader effort to reduce government spending, have left many wondering about the impact on the 7.5 million disabled children who rely on the agency's funding.
According to sources, all but two senior staff members in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) received reduction-in-force notices. This is part of a larger layoff effort that has affected 460 people across the Department of Education, roughly one in five workers in the agency.
The OSEP is responsible for distributing funding connected to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which accounts for the money needed for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). While the federal government is supposed to pay up to 40 percent of the costs of IEPs, it currently pays around 13 percent. Despite this shortfall, the agency still distributed around $15 billion to states in 2024 to support disabled students.
One employee who worked on IDEA funding and was let go expressed concern about the impact on disabled children. "This is a huge blow to our efforts to ensure that every child with a disability has access to quality education," said the employee, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're talking about kids who rely on us for support and resources – it's unconscionable that we would cut funding in this way."
The layoffs have left many wondering about the long-term implications of these cuts. "This is not just a matter of budgetary constraints," said Mark Johnson, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education. "It's a question of whether we're truly committed to supporting the education of disabled children."
Background and context:
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed in 1975 to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to quality education. The law requires states to provide a free and appropriate public education to children with disabilities, including those who require special services such as speech therapy or physical therapy.
However, the federal government has long struggled to meet its obligations under IDEA. In recent years, Congress has repeatedly failed to pass legislation that would increase funding for the program, leaving it up to states to make up the difference.
Additional perspectives:
While some advocates have criticized the Trump administration's decision to cut funding for OSEP, others argue that the move is necessary in light of the federal budget deficit. "We understand that the government has to make tough decisions about where to allocate resources," said a spokesperson for the White House. "But we're committed to ensuring that disabled children continue to receive the support they need."
Current status and next developments:
The layoffs are set to take effect on March 1, with many employees facing uncertainty about their future. Advocates for disabled students are calling on Congress to intervene and restore funding for OSEP.
As one advocate noted, "This is not just a matter of budgetary constraints – it's a question of whether we're truly committed to supporting the education of disabled children."
*Reporting by Motherjones.*
