Donald J. Trump's proposal to close the Department of Education represents a dramatic shift that could have devastating consequences for special education services in the United States. The Department of Education plays a pivotal role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support and resources they need, and its potential elimination raises serious concerns about how special education will be impacted.
One of the primary functions of the Department of Education is to enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education. This law ensures that children with disabilities have access to individualized education programs (IEPs), specialized instruction, and necessary accommodations. Without the oversight of the Department of Education, there is a legitimate fear that states and school districts could fail to meet these obligations, leading to significant disparities in the quality and accessibility of special education services across the country. IDEA’s implementation requires rigorous monitoring and enforcement, and the absence of a centralized federal authority would make it far more difficult to hold states accountable.
Federal oversight is critical because it ensures a level of consistency in how special education is administered. The Department of Education provides guidance and resources to help schools comply with IDEA and address the needs of students with disabilities. If Trump’s plan were to be enacted, enforcement of these laws could become fragmented, and the responsibility would likely fall to individual states, many of which are already struggling to adequately fund education. This decentralization could result in a patchwork system where a child’s access to quality special education services is determined by the state they live in, exacerbating existing inequities. Wealthier states might be able to uphold standards, while underfunded states could be forced to make cuts, leaving vulnerable students without essential support.
Funding is another critical aspect of special education that could be jeopardized if the Department of Education is eliminated. The federal government currently provides billions of dollars in funding for special education programs, helping to offset the significant costs associated with individualized support and specialized staff. This funding is crucial for many school districts, particularly those in low-income areas, where resources are already stretched thin. Without a federal agency to allocate and manage these funds, there is a real risk that the financial burden would fall disproportionately on states and local governments. As a result, schools could face budget shortfalls that might force them to increase class sizes, cut specialized programs, or lay off support staff, all of which would be detrimental to students with disabilities.
The Department of Education also serves as an advocate for students with disabilities and their families, providing a framework for parents to challenge schools when their children are not receiving appropriate services. If the department is disbanded, parents may find it much more difficult to navigate the system and advocate for their children’s rights. The bureaucratic protections and resources that currently exist to support families could be weakened or disappear entirely, creating barriers for those who need them the most. Families who have already fought hard for their children’s education could be left without recourse, forced to rely on state systems that may not have the same level of commitment or resources to uphold their children’s educational rights.
Additionally, the absence of the Department of Education could hinder progress in addressing systemic issues within special education. The department has historically worked to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, funding research and innovation in areas such as assistive technology, teacher training, and inclusive education practices. Without a federal entity to spearhead these initiatives, advancements in special education could stagnate, and the momentum toward creating more inclusive and supportive school environments could be lost. It is the Department of Education’s mission to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to high-quality education, and its absence would be felt in lost opportunities for progress and improvement.
Trump’s plan to close the Department of Education poses a grave threat to the well-being of students with disabilities. The department’s role in enforcing IDEA, providing consistent funding, and advocating for the rights of students is essential to maintaining the quality of special education services in the United States. Eliminating this federal oversight risks creating a system of inequity, where only some students receive the education they deserve, depending on their state’s resources and priorities. As our nation continues to strive for educational equity, the dissolution of the Department of Education would be a step backward, undermining decades of progress in the fight for inclusive and fair educational opportunities for all students.
Dr. Antonio L. Ellis is a senior professorial lecturer at American University School of Education and director of the Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice
