The Trump administration has begun transferring key functions of the Education Department to other federal agencies, a development that signals a substantial reduction in the department’s scope and moves closer to President Trump’s longstanding goal of dismantling the agency. Under this reorganization, oversight of special education programs will shift to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), while enforcement of civil rights laws in schools will be assumed by the Department of Justice.

These changes mark a notable departure from current practice. The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has traditionally been responsible for investigating complaints related to discrimination in educational settings and ensuring compliance with federal civil rights protections. Meanwhile, oversight of special education programs has involved guaranteeing that states fulfill legal obligations to provide services for students with disabilities. By reallocating these duties, the administration aims to reduce bureaucratic layers and streamline federal involvement in education.

However, this realignment has drawn criticism from advocates and experts concerned about its potential impact on vulnerable student populations. Some critics argue that moving special education oversight to HHS risks reframing disabled students primarily as medical patients rather than learners entitled to educational support. There are fears this could lead to increased segregation and a diminished emphasis on inclusive educational environments. Additionally, stakeholders worry the transfer may complicate families’ ability to navigate support systems and access necessary services.

The Education Department has seen a gradual decline in its responsibilities over recent years, with numerous programs and functions already moved to other agencies. The recent changes leave the department largely focused on research, policy oversight, and data collection. Observers have raised concerns regarding how staff transitions will be handled amid the transfers, and how these shifts might affect the backlog of pending civil rights cases involving discrimination and accessibility in schools.

While the administration portrays the restructuring as an effort to cut red tape and improve efficiency, eliminating the Education Department entirely would require approval from Congress, a move that has yet to gain significant legislative traction. For now, the reallocation of special education and civil rights enforcement represents a significant transformation in the federal government’s role in K-12 education, raising questions about the future of protections and services for students with disabilities and those facing discrimination.