June 16, 2026

Trump Administration Moves Oversight of Special Education and Civil Rights from Education Department

The Department of Justice will handle civil rights enforcement and student privacy protection, while the Department of Health and Human Services will manage special education initiatives.
These changes affect approximately 7 million students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, creating uncertainty about service delivery.
Critics, including education and civil rights advocates, warn that these transfers will harm vulnerable students and families who rely on essential services.