Jakarta Aktual – 18 June 2026 | Trump shifts ED oversight once again, this time moving special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This seismic shift has left advocates for students with disabilities fearful that the system will be harmed further, while the Trump administration claims it will reduce red tape and lead to more effective services.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the changes on Tuesday, stating that she had ‘heard’ the concerns of parents during listening sessions and school visits. However, many advocates argue that she didn’t listen to their concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.
The changes include moving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to HHS, which will oversee programs that support students with disabilities, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will also be moved to DOJ, where it will play a larger role in civil rights enforcement in schools.
Advocates for students with disabilities have been fighting this move for over a year, citing concerns that HHS lacks the experience and perspective to support the education of students with disabilities. They also worry that the move will lead to a fragmented system, further harming students with disabilities.
McMahon defends the move, stating that it will ‘align federal services with the goal of strengthening academic outcomes and supporting individuals with disabilities.’ However, many details about the changes are still being worked out, leaving advocates and parents concerned about the impact on students with disabilities.
The Trump administration has vowed to close the Education Department, and this move is seen as another step in that direction. The Department of Education will be left with a shrinking number of responsibilities, and many advocates worry about the consequences of this shift.
The move has sparked widespread concern among advocates for students with disabilities, who fear that the system will be harmed further. However, the Trump administration claims that this move will lead to more effective services and stronger civil rights enforcement.
It remains to be seen how this shift will impact students with disabilities, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department have sparked widespread concern and opposition.
As the Education Department continues to shrink, one thing is certain – the future of special education and civil rights enforcement hangs in the balance.
The Trump administration’s shift in ED oversight has left many wondering about the future of education and the impact on students with disabilities.
