Efforts to restructure the U.S. Education Department have intensified under the Trump administration, with recent developments indicating significant staff reductions. Notably, 466 employees are being cut, including personnel tasked with managing funds for children with disabilities and those from low-income families.
ELISSA NADWORNY, HOST:
In the midst of a government shutdown, the Trump administration continues to streamline the U.S. Education Department. Recent layoffs have notably impacted several offices, including the special education division. Additionally, NPR reports that the office responsible for upholding federal civil rights in schools might also experience significant cuts. Although a temporary restraining order issued by a judge has halted these layoffs, further details on the ruling will be provided later. For now, NPR’s Cory Turner shares insights on what’s at stake. Welcome, Cory.
CORY TURNER, BYLINE: Hey, Elissa.
NADWORNY: Let’s delve into the potential impacts of the staff cuts at the Office of Civil Rights. What information do we have?
TURNER: Initially, the Trump administration inherited 12 regional offices under the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) tasked with investigating civil rights violations in schools. Following a significant round of cuts in March, more than half of these offices were closed. Rachel Gittleman, president of AFGE Local 252—a union representing many Education Department employees—shared that staff in four out of the five remaining offices have received reduction in force notices.
RACHEL GITTLEMAN: Based on the March RIF and based on the way that RIFs work, which is that you have to abolish an entire organizational unit, we believe that those offices have all been abolished.
TURNER: If Gittleman’s assertion holds true, the OCR could be reduced to a single office in Kansas City. However, this information remains unverified independently, as the Education Department has not responded to requests for clarification.
NADWORNY: Has the department made any public statements?
TURNER: Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a statement on social media, asserting that despite the government shutdown, “millions of American students are still going to school, teachers are getting paid, and schools are operating as normal. It confirms what the president has said – the federal Department of Education is unnecessary.”
NADWORNY: Is her statement accurate, Cory?
TURNER: While it’s true that the Education Department does not directly pay teachers or operate schools, it plays a crucial role in providing over $30 billion to support low-income communities and special education. Although McMahon claimed that the RIF would not impact education funding, discussions with multiple department sources suggest an intent to reduce the workforce overseeing this substantial funding, potentially affecting its proper allocation.
NADWORNY: Is there a risk that these funds might not reach their intended recipients?
TURNER: Currently, McMahon’s assertion holds that most funding remains unaffected. However, department staff express concerns about the absence of federal oversight on fund allocation. Becca Walawender, a former official in the Office of Special Education, shared her apprehensions.
BECCA WALAWENDER: When you see a pot of money and you also know that no one is looking over your shoulder, it might be really easy to rob Peter to pay Paul – I think the saying goes – and then think, we’ll just put it back later.
NADWORNY: It appears this issue extends beyond just financial considerations, correct?
TURNER: Precisely. Ed Martin, who was instrumental in drafting the federal law securing the right to free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, emphasized the importance of federal involvement in both funding and safeguarding civil rights. Although funding persists, the personnel responsible for enforcement are facing layoffs.
NADWORNY: NPR education correspondent Cory Turner. Thank you.
TURNER: You’re welcome.
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