Trump takes special education, civil rights oversight away from Education Department

June 17, 2026 - 02:47

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it is removing special education and civil rights enforcement from the Department of Education. The move transfers these responsibilities to other federal agencies, a significant restructuring of how the government handles oversight for students with disabilities and discrimination complaints in schools.

Under the new plan, the Office for Civil Rights, which investigates claims of discrimination based on race, sex, and disability in schools that receive federal funding, will be moved to the Department of Justice. Meanwhile, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which oversees the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provides funding and guidance for millions of students with special needs, will be relocated to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Administration officials argued the change would streamline enforcement and place these functions closer to agencies with more relevant expertise. They said the Department of Education has become too large and unwieldy, and that splitting its duties will make the government more efficient.

Critics, however, expressed alarm. Advocacy groups for students with disabilities and civil rights organizations warned that moving these offices could disrupt services and weaken protections. They pointed out that the Department of Education has decades of institutional knowledge and a direct connection to the nation's school systems. Shifting these roles to agencies less familiar with education policy, they argued, risks delays in investigations and a loss of focus on student needs.

The announcement did not include a specific timeline for the transfer. It is expected to face legal challenges from states and advocacy groups who argue that the administration lacks the authority to dismantle parts of a federal department without congressional approval. The Department of Education will continue to handle other functions, including federal student aid and data collection on school performance.