The Trump administration’s recent decision to assign Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. oversight of special education programs has triggered significant opposition from disability advocates and education experts. Critics argue that the move risks undermining the educational rights of students with disabilities while reflecting an outdated medical view of disability.
The change was announced last week as part of a broader push by the administration to reduce the role of the Education Department, transferring tens of billions of dollars in programs to six federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The administration contends this shift will improve efficiency and better serve children and families by consolidating health-related services.
However, concerns surfaced immediately over Mr. Kennedy’s suitability for the position, given his controversial statements about autism earlier this year. He suggested children with autism “would never hold a job, play baseball or go on a date,” comments he later qualified as applying only to the most severe cases. He argued that special education programs should be housed within HHS because they are “health-related programs rather than particularly educated programs.”
Disability advocates see this as a fundamental mischaracterization. Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, a national group supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said the remarks reveal a lack of understanding about the potential of disabled students and their ability to succeed academically and socially. Edward M. Kennedy Jr., a civil rights advocate and cousin of Secretary Kennedy, warned the shift reflects a return to a “medical model” that views disabled children as patients rather than as students with strengths and rights to integration.
There is bipartisan skepticism over the administration’s approach. Margaret Spellings, a former education secretary under President George W. Bush, questioned the rationale behind dismantling the Education Department and dispersing its functions. She expressed concern about the potential disruption to educational services and was doubtful that these changes would enhance student outcomes.
Critics also highlighted Mr. Kennedy’s rejection of established vaccine science and his endorsement of unconventional autism treatments. Maria Town, president of the American Association of People With Disabilities, cautioned against mandating ineffective medical interventions in schools, emphasizing that children with disabilities deserve to be treated as students first.
Stephanie Smith Lee, former head of the Office of Special Education Programs, described the transfer as an increase in bureaucracy that could harm educational access and inclusion. She underscored the importance of keeping special education within the Education Department to maintain policy coherence and protect students’ rights, and expressed hope that Congressional Republicans might block the move.
On Capitol Hill, sentiment remains divided. While most Republicans have not openly challenged the administration, some hesitation surfaced during a recent Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing. Chairman Senator Bill Cassidy pledged to collaborate with Senator Tim Kaine on legislation that could address concerns about the shift, with a committee markup scheduled for July. However, Cassidy is soon to leave Congress after losing his primary, casting uncertainty on legislative prospects.
Efforts to entirely close the Education Department require Congressional approval, which has yet to be forthcoming. Meanwhile, the reorganization of special education programs continues to face resistance from advocates wary of reversing decades of progress in educational inclusion for students with disabilities.