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Next Council Meeting: April 24-25, 2025 (In person - Atlanta)

Department of Education Executive Order - March 21, 2025

Yesterday, President Trump issued an Executive Order regarding the Department of Education titled "Improving Education by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities"

WHO IS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION?

The Department of Education (DOE) was established in 1979 by the US Congress. The DOE manages national education policies and programs. It makes sure everyone has equal access to education, handles student financial aid, gathers information about schools, and enforces laws about privacy and civil rights in education. It helps improve education quality across the country.

The Department makes sure that the goals of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are upheld through funding and civil rights protections. They also ensure that students with disabilities receive IEPs, speech therapy, job training, and accessible school materials. These supports help students succeed in school, their communities, and their future careers.

WHAT DOES THE EXECUTIVE ORDER DO?

The order directs the DOE to take steps to begin its closure and return authority over education to states and local communities. This order follows the firing of 50% of the Department's employees.

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES?

  • Reduced Funding: The DOE provides important funding for special education. If the DOE is closed, there could be delays or cuts in this funding, affecting the support available for disabled students.
  • Changes in Civil Rights Enforcement: The DOE's Office for Civil Rights handles cases of disability discrimination in schools. Moving these responsibilities to other agencies could weaken how well these issues are addressed.
  • The Loss of Federal Oversight: The DOE makes sure states follow laws like Section 504 and IDEA that protect students with disabilities. Without this oversight, the quality of services for these students could differ greatly from state to state.

The Executive Order does not eliminate disability civil rights laws such as Section 504 or IDEA. Although these laws remain, the DOE's ability to enforce these laws will be impacted by staff cuts.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Contact your members of congress and tell them what this order means for you and your community. Find them at https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/.

Read the entire Executive Order at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/.