Most education department staff overseeing special education were laid off, according to multiple reports, part of 466 cuts Friday that also hit the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. A letter cited by CNN blamed the government shutdown and funding lapse for the reduction in force. One employee told NPR the cuts are 'decimating' the office that safeguards the rights of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. National groups told K‑12 Dive children could be deprived of a free and proper education, and the Council for Exceptional Children called the rumored elimination of OSEP 'absolutely devastating.'

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.