The Trump administration announced Tuesday that the Department of Education will transfer significant portions of its operations to other federal agencies, marking a major step toward dismantling the department.
The Education Department will move its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Health and Human Services, while the Office for Civil Rights will transfer to the Department of Justice. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has led the effort to reduce the department’s footprint as part of Trump’s campaign promise to shift education authority to individual states.
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The Reorganization Plan
These two offices previously managed civil rights enforcement in schools and oversaw special education services for students with disabilities. The Justice Department will now handle civil rights matters in education, including protections based on race, sex and religion, while HHS takes responsibility for special education administration and rehabilitation services.
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“The Trump Administration has been clear: as we scale back federal micromanagement when it hinders success, we are equally committed to bolstering the efficacy of federal oversight where it is essential,” McMahon said in a statement. The moves represent the largest reduction of Education Department functions since Trump took office.
Opposition and Concerns
Teacher unions and education advocates have expressed alarm over the reorganization. Rachel Gittleman, president of the union representing Education Department employees, warned that the changes will harm vulnerable students. “This will leave our most vulnerable students and families who have been shut out of our education system without the services they need and without protection when they face discrimination,” Gittleman said.
Democrats have blocked any legislative effort to eliminate the Education Department entirely, which would require congressional action. The administration’s strategy instead focuses on transferring functions to render the agency minimized in scope.
What Comes Next
While Trump cannot fully dissolve the Education Department without congressional approval, the reorganization achieves much of his stated goal to return education policy to state control. The transfers are expected to be completed in the coming months as agencies coordinate the handoff of responsibilities and personnel.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Team contributed to this report.
