Department of Education Layoffs Imperil IDEA Oversight

Mass layoffs at the Department of Education have cut special education offices, with sources warning the cuts could immediately disrupt services for children with disabilities. Staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services were reduced over the weekend, jeopardizing administration of the $15 billion IDEA program and state monitoring. An AFGE lawsuit says 466 workers—at least 20%—were RIFed during the shutdown, and union officials believe OSERS offices below senior ranks were eliminated. Employees are distraught. Critics say the move defies Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s assurances; the department did not comment. A transfer to HHS has not occurred.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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